SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Taryn Ceglowski, a standout member of the University of Sioux Falls Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Team, is gearing up to finish her final year strong by holding tight to her faith. 

Ceglowski, a five-time all NSIC performer who recorded 13 top-5 finishes in the 2019-2020 Indoor Track Season, is ready to compete. "I will be ecstatic to run again," said Ceglowski. "I will be very thankful to have the opportunity to compete again and will run with my heart."

A Salida, Colorado native, Ceglowski couldn't resist the welcoming arms of the USF community. "Everybody was so welcoming," said Ceglowski. "I chose USF because I saw how USF fostered a Christian community on campus and throughout their sports teams."

Not only did the tight-knit, Christian community appeal to Ceglowski, the Cross Country and Track and Field Programs also caught her eye, due to their commitment to success in academics and competition. And at USF, Ceglowski felt she would be able to set high goals and strive to reach them, academically, physically, and spiritually. 

The daughter of Mark and Sue Ceglowski, she grew up in a competitive family which spurred her to early success in running.

"I had the great opportunity of being coached by my mom in high school," said Ceglowski, who led her high school cross country team to state titles in 2013 and 2015, and holds the state record in Colorado for the 800 meter run. "I have been involved in athletics throughout my life and I cannot thank my parents enough for supporting me throughout all of these years." 
 

Throughout her time at USF, Ceglowski has worked hard to make her parents proud, raking up numerous accomplishments, both on and off the track. She placed a program-best fifth place individually and led the women's cross country team to a fourth place finish at the 2018 conference meet, which was the highest ever by a USF women's team. A n eight-time Academic All-NSIC honoree, she also gained two All-NSIC honors at the NSIC Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 2018-2019 season by placing third in the 1k (2:57.68) and third in the mile (4:59.47). She twice earned All-NSIC honors in cross country and also earning another all-league honor at the NSIC Outdoors.

Beyond that, Ceglowski, who was the NSIC Indoor Track and Field Newcomer of the Year in 2017-18, has also proven herself by qualifying three times nationally for indoor/outdoor track and field.  

With her unrelenting competitive spirit and a heart for Christ, it's no wonder Ceglowski has had such success. "One of the most rewarding parts of collegiate athletics is seeing your hard work pay off," said Ceglowski. "There is not a better feeling in the world than reaching your goals that you have set for yourself." 

Named USF's Most Valuable Female Cross Country student-athlete as a freshman, Ceglowski credits her coaches with providing critical mentoring and support. 

"Our coaches are top-of-line," Ceglowski said. "What sets my coaches apart from others is that they really strive to put a priority on USF's Christian values."

She also credits the support of her teammates in helping her reach her goals.

"My teammates mean the world to me," Ceglowski said. "Each one of my teammates has something unique to offer to the team. It is so special to watch them grow stronger, both physically and spiritually." 

Keeping the team centered on Christ is a special attribute of USF's sports programs, and something you can't find everywhere.

"We pray before practice, have devotionals once a week, and we're not afraid to show that we are Christians, which helps set our coaches and program apart from others," said Ceglowski. 

Doug Petersen, the USF Director of Track and Field/Cross Country, is proud of Ceglowski's success and the leadership she has exhibited during her time on campus.

"Taryn has had a wonderful impact with our female distance runners since joining USF as a freshman," said Petersen. "She has been a great mentor to the other runners on and off the track. She is a leader by example in her workouts and competitions."

Petersen is grateful for what Ceglwoski has brought to the USF program. And, he will miss her when she graduates. "Her leadership qualities and wonderful personality will certainly be missed," said Petersen. 

Her humble attitude and strong work ethic are characteristics Ceglowski attributes to her parents.

"One of the biggest lessons I have learned from my mom is to never give up and to always give yourself a fighting chance, no matter what the circumstances might be," she said. From her dad, she learned to believe in herself and work hard. "My dad is a big believer and reminds me to ask myself 'how badly do I want it'," Ceglowski added. 

While she has been challenged by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Ceglowski has found ways to manage the stress and keep herself focused.

"I like to talk with my teammates, roommates, and parents," said Ceglowski. "They are all great listeners and their advice always seems to help. Praying has been a large stress reliever too. I can always count on God." 

As Ceglowski gears up for her final season at USF, she is also looking forward to her future, which is certainly one of promise.

With majors in English and Spanish and a marketing minor, Ceglowski plans on attending the University of Mary to obtain her master's degree in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. After that, she hopes to work with first generation college students and their families. And, in that way, she will pay it forward.

"I look forward to helping them achieve their dreams and pursue their goals," said Ceglowski.