Trusting the Process: When Quiet Confidence Breaks Records
Inside Cross Country Runner Bethany Schrag’s rise to the NAIA national stage
In 2024, the first Thresher woman qualified for the NAIA Cross Country National Championships. That athlete was Bethany Schrag, a senior education major from Valley Center.
Schrag said she originally began running because of encouragement from her cousin and sister. “My sister also encouraged me, and she kind of asked my PE teacher, who was also the cross country coach, if she would encourage me to try out.”
When asked what brought her to Bethel College, Schrag explained that her high school coach began working at Bethel during her senior year. Although the coach did not stay long, Schrag ultimately decided to commit.
“I actually didn’t start running until my freshman year of high school,” said Schrag. “I had no experience besides maybe basketball in middle school, but other than that I had no running experience.”
Running can be a demanding sport, and Schrag emphasized the importance of connection with her teammates for motivation. “Being able to come to practice with my teammates, especially my girls, they motivate me a lot,” she said. “And also my coach motivates me a lot, just wanting me to meet the goals that he knows I can reach.”
“He knows that I can succeed, so having him there always helps me stay motivated to want to do better and want to keep at it.”
Head cross country coach Julio Martinez highlighted Schrag’s strengths as both a competitor and teammate. “Bethany can be summed up best as someone who looks like a butterfly but stings like a bee. She competes with a quiet confidence, but when it’s time to race, she’s fearless and relentless.”
“Bethany embraces every challenge put in front of her and pours everything she has into reaching each goal,” Martinez said. “She’s supportive, selfless, and always willing to help others, making her truly one of a kind within our program.” Martinez also noted that since his arrival as head coach, Schrag now holds eight school records.
When asked what it has been like to coach Schrag, Martinez emphasized her growth and drive. “What makes her journey so special is that just when we think we’re approaching her ceiling, she continues to raise it.”
“It was definitely a moment I’ll never forget,” Schrag said when talking about qualifying for nationals. “When my name was called, it was kind of surreal.” She added that she was unsure she had qualified when she finished the race. “It wasn’t something I was expecting, so it was definitely something I’m very proud of.”
Schrag said trusting the process has helped her continue to push through challenges. “Your work will pay off, is what I tell myself. Even on the days where I really don’t want to get out and run, even doing the smallest thing like stepping outside.”
“In the end, you’re only going to get better if you just keep going at it,” Added Schrag.
Over Christmas break, Schrag competed in the NAIA Marathon Classic in Dallas. “If I did the marathon, it would be something that my past self would never believe I could, so why not?” Said Schrag.
“I trusted the process, I trusted my coach,” continued Schrag. “I trusted myself, too, and I listened to my body. If I needed to take a break to prevent an injury, I listened.”
Schrag said the support of her teammates helped her through the 26.2-mile race. “I had two of my teammates come with me on the trip, Marcus [Fiedler] and Emma [Graber], and just the support back at home, it was immeasurable.”
“Bethany is genuinely one of the best people to have with you on the starting line,” said junior Emma Graber from Divide, Colo. “She is supportive and motivating every day at practice and especially on race days. I’ve been running with her since my first day at Bethel, and she is my favorite person to run with.”
In addition to competing, Schrag is a member of the Bethel Choir. “I will say it’s a challenge to balance student teaching, running, and choir,” she said. “But in the end, singing in the choir and also running—it’s my way to decompress after a stressful day at school.”
Looking back at her time being a part of the cross country team, Schrag said the relationships she built at Bethel have meant the most. “We wanted each other to succeed so much, and that’s something I can look back on with positive emotions. And our coaches were so passionate, and that’s something I’ll always remember.”