Rylan Engels, a senior distance runner from San Clemente, California, is wrapping up an impressive tenure as a Horned Frog.

Engels has left her mark both at TCU, where she ran for three years after one year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Her talent and dedication shine through as she continues to excel in her athletic career.

“TCU athletics is a special community,” said Engels. “I’ve met some truly amazing people in this place, and received more support than I could have imagined. I feel very lucky to be a part of it.”

Engels specializes in a few different races, with most prominently facing off in the 800 meter race. Engels sits on TCU’s Top 10 list at No. 5 in the Indoor 800 meter race with a time of 2:11.94.

With Engels great success comes the pressure of performance. “I think it’s extremely important to have fun. There is a lot of pressure competing at this level, and a lot of nerves can come around race day.”

Resilience and Determination

A lot of Engels’ nerves are eased by her teammates, who became her built-in support system when coming to TCU in 2021.

“My teammates are a built-in support system that truly keeps me going. A lot of people think track is an individual sport, but I couldn’t disagree more.” shares Engels. “We’ve shared countless trials here, their presence makes training and competing challenges more bearable.”

Engel’s journey, long and radiant, has been shaped by highs and lows. These experiences have forged her into the formidable D1 college athlete she is now.

Her love for running goes beyond the track, tackling challenges fearlessly with determination and gratitude for her blessings. She faces every challenge with fervor, embracing it fearlessly and appreciating all she possesses deeply.

“I always try to remind myself how hard I worked to be in this position, and not to let an opportunity I train for all year long pass me by because I’m afraid to take it,” she said.

Engels persistently challenges herself in track and field, unfazed by setbacks, as she sees each day as a chance to grow.

With eligibility remaining, Engels plans to continue the pursuit of her diverse track goals in the upcoming year.

She acknowledges the invaluable lessons learned through the TCU program, recognizing that their impact surpasses any repayment she could offer.

“I truly enjoy running track, and have grown as an athlete and person because of it,” she said.