As a Scot
Dean’s List recipient … Studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria in Spring 2018 … Volunteer with Free Arts Minnesota and Women's Advocates, Inc.
2015: Benedict made her collegiate debut in the 5,000 meter with a time of 20:24 at the Luther All-American … In her first 6,000 meter race she ran a time of 25:30 at the St. Olaf Invitational … She raced a 16:41 in the 4,000 meter at the St. Kate’s Invitational
2016: Benedict raced a PR in the 6,000 meter with a time of 25:29 at the MIAC Championships
Before Mac
Earned All-State honors running cross country for Manchester High School … Named all-region and all-conference in both cross country and track … Graduated Summa Cum Laude … Salutatorian of graduating class
Why did you choose to attend Macalester?
I love the Midwest and the beauty of Minnesota. Because I come from a small town, I thought the experience of living in a city would be a good next step for me. The welcoming spirit of the coaches and the cross country team won me over immediately, and is what ultimately led me to move to St. Paul! That, and the cafeteria's chocolate chip cookies.
What has your experience at Macalester meant to you so far?
At Macalester I uproot and readjust myself constantly, which strengthens my mental and physical health, my drive to learn, and the relationships that I create with others.
How has your experience as a student-athlete at Macalester helped shape you as an individual?
As I enter my third year running with the Women's Cross Country team, I can appreciate what my team has given me over the course of my college career. Running at Mac has shaped me as an athlete, a student, and a woman. It has been such an honor to be a part of this team; never before have I been surrounded by such a supportive group of dedicated and hard-working people. Running at Mac has also given me drive. The team has shown me how to face challenges with confidence, how to trust myself, how to keep going when it gets tough, and how to keep a sense of humor through it all.
