It’s hard to keep up with Amanda Burrichter ’23. Just ask those she races against as a member of the Houghton cross country and track and field teams. Burrichter is a two-time Empire 8 first team selection in cross country and a three-time event champion in indoor and outdoor track.

Burrichter says running has always been a part of her life and has helped her develop personal life skills and to grow spiritually. “I can’t think of a time when I wasn’t competing or training in some way. It has taught me what it means to work hard, persevere, manage time and so much more.”

Those who know her best will say her non-stop energy, varied interests and pursuit of excellence go well beyond the realm of competitive athletics. The junior is also excelling in the classroom as an exercise science and pre-physical therapy major with a minor in psychology. Her career goal is to be a physical therapist, working with runners or children. She is even considering medical missions. “I want to spend time connecting with people and giving them simple, sustainable techniques to increase their overall function and decrease pain,” Burrichter says.

Away from the course and classroom, Burrichter serves as Houghton’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president, is a member of the Pre-Health Professions Club, regularly helps at her church’s youth group and volunteers at the Houghton blood drive. Whether it’s overcoming nagging injuries, balancing academics and athletics, serving the needs of her fellow student-athletes, or embracing the challenges of backcountry living, Amanda Burrichter has been fearless in her pursuit of excellence.

“Being fearless as a Highlander means not worrying about the outcome of the season but being present in each moment and being grateful for the opportunity we have to compete and learn in a Christian environment,” says Burrichter. “Competing collegiately has its ups and downs, and I hope that, as I continue to face hard situations, I can look back on all that I accomplished and preserved through in college and use that as encouragement to keep working hard.”