-- This article has been updated and now includes Grace's summary on committing to NC State University --
Grace Hartman announced on Monday that she's committing to NC State University.
The senior from Oakwood will bring an impeccable cross country and distance track resume with her to Raleigh next year. She is the reigning OHSAA Division II XC state champion and the recipient of the 2020-21 Gatorade Ohio Girls Cross Country Player of the Year honor. MileSplit noted Hartman as Ohio's top ranked athlete in our preseason subjective listing.
Hartman debuted her 2021 campaign on September 11th at Mason, where she produced an 18:25.7 mark for 3rd place in the Varsity Division I race. Since her opener, she's collected a pair of victories -- 17:56.6 at Cedarville and 17:40.7 at Fairmont. The latter of which stands as Ohio's top mark posted over the 5 kilometer distance this season.
On the track, Hartman's accolades are equally as impressive. She was the 2021 OHSAA Division II state champion at both the 1600m and 3200m events. She also placed fourth in the 3200 and seventh in the 1 mile at the Running Track Championships this past June.
In terms of personal bests, Hartman's record is anchored by marks of 4:46.11 for 1 Mile, 10:21.54 for 3200 and 17:31.10 for 5k XC. The versatile senior has also contested the 400, the 800, as well as team relay events during her high school tenure.
She'll join a talent-rich Wolfpack line-up that features Katelyn Tuohy, Kelsey Chmiel, Marlee Starliper, Brooke Rauber and former Turpin standout Sam Bush.
Coach Alex Brouhard provided more context on Grace as an athlete, a student and a leader.
"It's been a lot of fun to watch Grace develop as a runner and a leader. You're not going to find anyone who works harder than she does."
"She's dedicated to her training, her schoolwork and her role as the captain of our team. What really distinguishes Grace is the way she interacts with her teammates."
"She'll bring that same enthusiasm to NC State. They are lucky to not only to be getting a talented runner, but also a phenomenal person."
-- Alex Brouhard
Always a student first, when we first learned of her commitment news, Grace was still attending classes. Now that her studies are done for the day, she's supplied us with a summary on her time at Oakwood and her commitment to NC State.
"Throughout my 4 years running for Oakwood, I've had countless experiences that have helped to shape not only me as a person, but have also aided me in my decision to commit to NC state. From multiple coaching switches, to teammates graduating, ups and downs of training, victories, losses, injuries, etc, I have learned more than I thought a sport could ever teach me."
"My teammates have become my best friends, my coaches have become my mentors, my parents have become my biggest supporters, and I've become an athlete and person I think my 9th grade self would be proud of."
"When looking at colleges I often found myself reflecting on all of the incredible experiences I've had running for Oakwood. This team of incredible people has become my family, and that's what I saw when looking at NC State."
"Through conversation I could tell that Coach Henes was not only passionate about her team, but truly cared about all of her women as people, not just as athletes. And of course, the women at NC state are absolutely fantastic. During my official visit I immediately felt at home and comfortable with the people who surrounded me. I cannot put into words how excited I am to be part of the Wolfpack family next year, and how much this opportunity means to me."
"I am, of course, equally excited to continue competing with my current team for the remainder of cross country and track. We have so many incredibly talented and passionate young ladies that I cannot wait to see them grow over the years."
"Thank you to my parents, coaches, teammates, and friends for inspiring and uplifting me every step of the way throughout this process! I could not be more blessed and grateful! Go Pack!!"
-- Grace Hartman
