When senior hurdler and sprinter Nancy Searcy decided to transfer from Central Michigan to Sacramento State, she knew that nothing was guaranteed.

Not only would she have to sit out a full season, she would have to adjust to a completely different team, culture and climate.

The decision was not an easy one. Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Kathleen Raske had been Searcy’s coach at Central Michigan. When Raske left, coaching situations kept changing and track in general was becoming more frustrating for Searcy.

“I already knew coach Raske. I had some opportunities coming here to Sac State. I knew it would open some doors; I could get better training, and a chance to compete post-collegiately,” Searcy said.

Searcy has been on the path to achieving that goal. After sitting out last year, she has come back in a big way.

At the close of this year’s indoor track season, Searcy now owns the Big Sky Championship in the 55 meter hurdles and the long jump. Those are both school records. She also scored the most points by a Sac State woman ever at a meet (26). She was voted team captain and provisionally qualified in the 55 meters for the NCAA championships.

“(Searcy) coming out here showed her faith in me as a coach,” Raske said. “She sacrificed a lot to come out here, sticking with it and overcoming obstacles. It’s a special feeling to know an athlete believes in a coach that much.”

The road to her success this year has not been easy. During last year’s red shirt, Searcy had to overcome several challenges – mostly mental. She struggled with depression, being away from home, and finding herself as an individual.

“It was overwhelming,” Searcy said. “I wanted to give up, to go the other way. I came so close, so many times.”

Searcy ran in a couple open meets and continued to go to school, but at times it felt like it was all for nothing.

“I just trained really hard. I was struggling with motivation issues to just keep going,” Searcy said.

She credits much of her success and determination to her faith. Searcy is a member of the school’s Christian Fellowship for Athletes; an organization on campus that meets every Monday, and gives athletes the chance to express their faith and helps others to help themselves.

Searcy said her achievements this season have been a combined team effort. Her track teammates are like family and have helped her more than she can say. She has learned a lot of lessons and learned a great deal about herself in the process.

Even this season has been up and down, Searcy said. Some meets in certain events, she said she felt like she was garbage. In other events, she would redeem herself and that helped a lot to put the bad performances behind her. She continues to reflect on if she doesn’t do well, and figure out how to do better the next time out.

Her close friendship with runner Tyreina Henley-Henderson has been imperative as well. The two are both ministry leaders for FCA and used to be roommates until Searcy married her husband in August. They are work-out buddies in the weight room and push each other to improve.

“We see each other every day of the week,” Henley-Henderson said. “She is a good motivating person, and very humble. She always works hard, and we compliment each other well. At competitions, we pray for each other and lift each other up when we are down.”

Henley-Henderson also red shirted last season and felt that time for her was needed to help her re-focus after being injured. It has eventually paid off for both athletes, as Henley-Henderson finished in the top 10 at the indoor championships in all her events and won the 4×100 relay.

“I’m always trying to look for a way that works for me. You could say I am a student of the sport,” Searcy said. “I believe what I do on the track is for the glory of God. Sometimes I want to do it so bad, I think about it too much. I just have to stay prepared to do what I do.”

Her willingness to try new techniques and listen to coaches is a big reason why she has come so far. Working with coaches Raske and Van Laningham, if something doesn’t click; there is good open communication to find out how to get it right.

In her short time at Sac State, Searcy has taken a team that wasn’t really hers and proved to be a leader – on and off the track.

“Her leadership is phenomenal,” said Raske. “Physically, she has been able to produce and continues to dominate the Big Sky. She is one of the FCA leaders as well. I’m really proud of her.”

Searcy’s philosophy is to take things as they come. One of her family members has a connection to the Puerto Rican national team, and she could possibly compete for them in the future. Her plan, if all works out, is to compete internationally next summer.

Searcy stressed the fact that if she doesn’t make the Olympics, it isn’t the end of the world. She asks God to show her the way, whether it is in a career of massage therapy or teaching and coaching. She plans to stay in Sacramento until she is shown the next stop on her path.

“My dream isn’t to go to the Olympics,” said Searcy. “Anything after college is a blessing. I have never actually seen track as a career.”

Searcy wishes track would get more recognition on the collegiate level. She pointed out that since the Men’s track and field has won a championship, more new recruits will be interested in the program.

“It’s a perfect time to be here,” said Searcy. ” It all started here. We have way more potential, and with outdoor season starting, things can only look up from here.” Galen Kusic can be reached at [email protected]