University of Delaware Athletics
Running Toward Success: Marissa Dailey's Journey Balancing Education and Athletics
11/13/2024 4:00:00 PM | Women's Cross Country, Track & Field
NEWARK, Del. – Marissa Dailey's passion for running is not a coincidence; it is practically in her DNA. With both of her parents running competitively in college, and her father even pursuing a professional running career afterward, it was only a matter of time before she caught the running bug. However, Dailey's love for the sport didn't ignite until her freshman year of high school, when she decided to begin her running journey. Since then, she has never looked back, continuously pushing herself to new heights both on the track and in her academic life.
Now, as a college athlete, Dailey is in her element. This past spring, at the outdoor conference meet, she achieved a remarkable feat by completing the 1500-meter and 5K double. A love for the process complements the competitive success she experiences.
I love talking to my friends while we run, listening to nature and the sound of their footsteps. It's calming, she shares.
For her, running is more than just a sport—it's a social and meditative experience. As a college athlete, her schedule is packed, especially in the fall. Morning practices are a regular occurrence, and she manages her academic responsibilities around them. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday are typically dedicated to one practice session, while on Tuesday and Friday, her mornings consist of work, followed by a shake-out run and lifting session. This rigorous training schedule balances her impressive academic workload.
Dailey's commitment to her education is as strong as her dedication to running. She is pursuing a major in mechanical engineering with a math minor and a focus on sustainable energy technology. Alongside her studies, the Phoenix, Md. native is also deeply involved in extracurricular activities. She is a member of a professional engineering sorority and serves as a student alumni ambassador. Her role as an ambassador includes hosting homecoming spirit days and working closely with alumni and donors whenever they make visits to campus. These responsibilities have allowed her to build strong connections with alumni, further enriching her college experience. As Dailey looks toward the future, she has already secured a post-graduation job with a company she has interned with in the past. She plans to move to Baltimore for the role and is already exploring local running clubs she might consider joining to continue her athletic pursuits after college. The opportunities she has before her reflect her commitment both in the classroom and on the track.
Dailey is gearing up for her next big challenge: her third NCAA Mid-Atlantic Region Cross Country Championships, where she is slated to race this Friday, Nov. 15. Having already set a new personal-best 6K time of 21:35.5 earlier this season, Dailey is aiming to surpass her 6K time of 22:09.1 from last year's NCAA meet and make her mark with a strong performance. This race will provide her with another opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication she has put into her athletic career. Balancing the life of a student-athlete is challenging, but Dailey handles it with grace. Whether it's excelling in her courses or racing toward the finish line, she is proving that with passion, discipline, and a love for what you do, success is always within reach.
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