Women's Cross Country | 3/25/2026 1:22:00 PM
CROOKSTON, Minn. - At the starting line, every runner faces the same challenge: the clock ticks, the course stretches out, and the only thing that matters is how far they can push themselves. For the women of the University of Minnesota Crookston cross country team, the sport is more than just miles and medals—it's a test of grit, a lesson in perseverance, and a place where lifelong bonds are formed. Junior Grace Alwardt from Lake Elsinore Calif., senior Madison Hilliard from Jacksonville N.C., and junior Emma Williams from Nashwauk, Minn., each arrived at the university with different stories, backgrounds, and reasons for running, yet they share one thing in common: a nonstop drive to compete, grow, and help one another. Their journeys share the heart of college athletics, where the finish line is only the beginning of lessons that extend far beyond the course.
Alwardt grew up surrounded by running. Her mother, a marathoner and high school coach, and her father, a runner as well, instilled in her a love for the sport. "I started running in sixth grade and ran varsity all through high school," she says. Hilliard, on the other hand, discovered her passion for running at a young age through local clubs and middle school track. "I started running in third grade," she recalls. "My dad was the one who really pushed me to stick with it." However, Williams' story is slightly different—she didn't take up running seriously until later in high school. "My friends were like, 'just come run,' and I thought it was crazy at first," she remembers. "But I loved the individual challenge. When you push yourself, you're competing not just for yourself, but for your team as well."
Aside from their varied backgrounds, the three quickly formed strong bonds as teammates. Williams recalls that the preseason trip helped the team click immediately. "You're thrown together, and you bond fast. Being the oldest returners last season made us even closer," she says. Grace points to a small but meaningful gesture: "When Hilliard made us cinnamon rolls my freshman year, I felt a real connection with Williams and the upperclassmen group." Hilliard adds that being the only one from her class helped her connect with others quickly, establishing the foundation for lasting friendships.
Running, however, hasn't come without challenges. Alwardt battled IT band issues that eventually developed into chronic knee and hip problems. "Two surgeons told me to medically retire, but the third said, 'If this is what you really want, go for it.' That motivated me to keep going," she says. Hilliard, meanwhile, faced mental health struggles in her freshman year, finding comfort and strength in running, even as constant hip problems continued. Williams experienced early success only to be derailed by a knee injury going into her sophomore year, creating a chain reaction that tested her both physically and mentally. "Mentally, it's tough to know what you're capable of but not be able to reach it immediately," she says. "That's the hardest part of a mental sport."
Even with support from teammates and coaches, the pressure to perform continued to weigh heavily. Williams admits that, while she has never felt judged by teammates, it's difficult not to tie self-worth to the sport when it populates your entire life. Hilliard agrees, saying performance defines her to an extent. Alwardt reflects, "Pressure is a privilege. In high school, I had it from myself, coaches, and teammates and I still carry it with me, even here."
The sacrifices made for the sport go beyond physical effort. Alwardt spends hours in the athletic training room, doing rehab, stretching, and enduring ice baths to stay competitive. Williams, a self-proclaimed homebody, struggles with missing family moments, including watching her young nephew grow up. Hilliard, living thirty-two hours from home, often forgoes social events and family time to focus on her sport. Yet, through every challenge, the bond between these athletes remains unfaltered.
Their choice to attend UMC reflects a mix of athletic, academic, and personal reasons. Alwardt laughs, "STEVE (Krouse), all caps, exclamation points. My parents call me a free spirit, and I wanted to explore. I could see the team bond, even if I didn't expect the cold!" Emma appreciated the small, rural campus, which mirrored her upbringing in rural Minnesota, and Hilliard was drawn to the academic programs and the program's growth under the coach Steven Krouse.
Some of the ladies' most cherished memories come from shared experiences both on and off the course. Alwardt recalls the preseason trips yearningly: "We train, explore, and just have fun—volleyball, pool games—it's the best." Hilliard treasures car rides blasting music or baking for the team, and moments of shared victory, like placing fourth at Augie last season, "Car rides when we are all in a car together while Grace blasts music and has her toes out the window. Or Augie twilight this past season when we placed fourth." Williams highlights the adrenaline and energy of conference week, when everyone is locked in and the post-race camaraderie is unmatched. "Conference week because everyone is so locked in and ready for the race."
Preparation is a ritual for all three student-athletes. Williams applies icy hot and takes ibuprofen while keeping her hair the same for every race. Hilliard has her lucky socks, honey, and salt ritual, washing the socks before every race of course. Alwardt comes with a clear mind, confidence, and the team's prayer, often accompanied by favorite pre-race meals like pink waffles with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Looking ahead, the team's intentions are clear. Williams hopes to help the team move up in both conference and regional standings while achieving personal bests in her senior season. Alwardt shares similar goals: seeing the team place third or fourth in the conference and improve at regionals, while also giving her best for the team. Hilliard, after graduation, plans to continue running by competing in a half marathon in September and a full marathon in October, with hopes of qualifying for Boston.
For these women, cross country has provided lessons that extend far beyond running. "Food is fuel. Don't be afraid," Grace advises. Williams highlights mental toughness, noting, "If you work hard for something you love, it pays off." Hilliard reflects on the team bond: "Be ambitious and stay motivated. Your teammates are your family." Outside of athletics, Alwardt enjoys Fortnite, Clashing, hiking, and her go to snack are the Brookside pomegranate chocolates. Williams plays Clash Royale and indulges in caramel chocolates and enjoys a game of bags. Hilliard loves reading, baking, and caramel cold brew M&Ms—often stolen by Grace.
When asked for advice to younger athletes, the three offer wisdom shared from experience. "Don't quit," Alwardt says with a laugh. "I wanted to so many times, but I'm glad I didn't. It opens doors in and out of sports. (Jokingly) Punch people." Williams reminds athletes to appreciate the short-lived nature of their college careers: "It goes by fast. Appreciate every moment—you'll never be a college athlete again." Hilliard concludes with simple, strong advice: "Find your support system, support those around you, and don't give up on something you love."
Grace Alwardt, Madison Hilliard, and Emma Williams embody the heart of Minnesota Crookston cross country—a mix of dedication, resilience, and sisterhood. On race day, they aren't just running against the clock or other teams; they're testing their limits, building lasting relationships, and carrying lessons that will follow them well beyond the finish line.
