My name is Aria Hawkins and I am in the class of 2021. I attend Liberty Bible Academy, but since my school does not offer running programs, OHSAA allows me to run for Mason High School, who has consistently participated in the Ohio State Championships for over a decade. I compete in cross country,  the 1600m, 800m, 400m, 4x800m, 4x400m, and sometimes even pole vault as a prior gymnast. I come from a family of professional and collegiate athletes-my dad played in the NFL, my mom ran in college, my brother plays football for Penn State, and I also have multiple uncles and cousins throughout the NFL, CFL, Division 1 football, and an Olympic runner who is a sprinter for Canada. My goal is to further my athletic career to a higher level like so many of my family members.  Currently, my 5k PR is 18:54 and my BHAG (big harry audacious goal) for this season is to get on my school’s leaderboard of top 10 times. As of today, I am number 16, and hope to run under 18:44.

Not only do I push myself to be the best possible runner that I can be, I also push others to be their best as well. Not cracking under pressure, I am driven especially when my team needs me the most, which is why I received the Impact Player Award for Cross Country. My work ethic transfers to the classroom as I have had to overcome the challenges of dyslexia, have maintained a 3.7 GPA, and now read well above grade level. Leadership is my greatest strength and as a result, I have had the opportunity to lead worship in my church’s youth group for the past five years and completed a summer worship internship there as well.

In Cincinnati I am known as the smiling runner, which has become an indication to those who know me best, that I am feeling good and am excited to race. I am passionate about competing and look forward to what God has next for my running career. For more information, please email me at ariahawkins2021@gmail.com.