Senior Gracie Morris has made TCU a part of her long journey to success in track and field.
Beginning her collegiate career at the University of Texas, the record-setter has taken the track by storm, capturing six program records on TCU’s All-Time List.
Beginning her journey in distance running, Morris has always had a true passion for running. With her sights set on the Olympics and a professional career after college, Morris knew what she wanted as a little girl.
“Hopefully I will hit the Olympic Standard for the United States this summer,” said Morris. “I’ve been talking about this since I was a little girl and to finally be at that goal now in my life is hard to comprehend.”
Morris is not the only member of her family having an amazing journey as a Horned Frog. Morris’ brother, Graydon, runs on the distance squad, as well.
Gracie said her relationship with her brother has helped tremendously with her success in the last two and a half years.
“Us doing the same thing together has made us a lot more competitive,” she said. “It’s nice just having a familiar face around that comforts me and eases my nerves, I know I can go to him.”
Having achieved remarkable success throughout her tenure at TCU, Morris has honed her ability to navigate the immense pressure that accompanies shattering records and achieving milestones.
“Honestly I wasn’t really thinking about it,” Morris admitted when asked about her recent success. “I haven’t really processed it at all.”
In the indoor postseason thus far, Morris has performed exceptionally, although she prefers the outdoor season, which she originally fell in love with.
Morris finds that a large part of her success centers around her longtime personal coach Eliud Njubi. Njubi has taught Morris an immense amount about the mental side of running.
“There are times it can be overwhelming with all the eyes on you,” she said. “I bring my energy and focus back on myself and it centers me.”
Njubi is a Horned Frog alum and was a Cross Country All-American in 2001, the only one in TCU history.
Professional distance running has long held a place in Morris’s aspirations for the future.
“With my college career coming to an end, I’ve put a lot more pressure on myself,” said Morris. “I’ve been forcing the results because I know what I need post college. I need to compete and win races rather than meet times that can take me to the next level.”
As Morris approaches the end of her collegiate career, she has her sights set on attaining times that not only serve as a testament to her dedication and skill, but also lay a solid foundation for her Olympic trial aspirations.
Morris also envisions the possibility of embarking on a training journey in Europe, where she can refine her talents and immerse herself in the competitive landscape of elite distance running.
“I have been talking about my track and field dreams since as long as I can remember, and I can’t imagine it ever ending,” she said.
