With such a young group of girls, if the team wants to compete they need to receive high scores from this dominant group. Daleiden has brought her share to the table and has assisted in pulling the team together.

“She is incredibly dedicated to the team,” Coach Robin Balder-Lanoe said. “You know she is going to compete as hard as she can every race.”

The sprinter group is composed of only three upperclassmen, making it all the more important for the group to bond quickly. Daleiden explained that her role on the team is to work really hard during practice and at meets and to cheer on her teammates.

“During the indoor season we were just all trying to meet each other,” Daleiden said. “The team has really come together well for the outdoor season. The meet that really helped was the one down in Iowa. We stayed in a hotel, and it really helped us to get to know everyone.”

Though the outdoor season has had a limited number of meets this season due to the weather, Daleiden’s performance and work ethic have helped her capture the Athlete of the Week award, designated by the St. Ben’s Athletic Department.

“She is running like a veteran,” Balder-Lanoe said. “It has really impressed me with how she has adjusted to collegiate running. Her work ethic is phenomenal.”

Daleiden went into the outdoor season after placing in both the 400-meter and 600-meter races at the MIAC Indoor Conference Championships. Her time in the 600-meter set the school record for that event.

In the outdoor season, she runs the 400-meter race and anchors the 4 x 400 meter relay. Her times are consistently under 60 seconds, and she improves with each race.

Daleiden also plays defender for the St. Ben’s soccer team. Her strong running skills help her to compete in both track and soccer. Because soccer involves so much running, she comes into the track season prepared.

“Coming-off soccer into track was beneficial because I was in shape,” Daleiden said. “Because I have running talent, I can play soccer as well.”

Though track causes Daleiden to miss out on spring soccer workouts, soccer coach Kate McNeil is accepting of the situation.

“She is totally understanding and keeps track of my results,” Daleiden said. “She sends me the spring schedule and tells me to make soccer if I can, and I will not be penalized for not showing.”

Coach Balder-Lanoe is also very excited to see Daleiden in two sports.

“It is awesome she excels in two sports.” Balder-Lanoe said. “She thrives on being busy and being involved.”