Ashley Overgaauw is a dedicated and determined student-athlete for the Minnesota State cross country team. Overgaauw came to the Mavericks this season from Augustana, where she began her collegiate career. The transition to a new team can be daunting, but for Ashley, it was a decision that continued the upward trajectory of her athletic career.
 
"I think the transition has been really good and that I made the best decision for me," said Overgaauw. "Coach Blue and I work together well, and she has really made my transition easy. The atmosphere here is really special because everyone wants each other to be the best they can be, and it really lifts the program to a high level. I am really happy that I chose MSU and look forward to what the future will bring."
 
A seamless transition to the Mavericks
Ashley's transition to Minnesota State was not only seamless but also instrumental in setting the stage for her success this fall.
"It has been exciting watching Ashley compete this season," said head coach Jen Blue. "I could see Ashley's confidence growing with each meet last track season, which showed in her performances, winning the indoor mile, breaking 5min, runner up in the 1500 at the outdoor conference meet and running sub 17 in the 5K.  Going into the summer, she had big goals for this cross country season."
 
"Joining a new team was a little intimidating at first, but after being here for just a little while, I could tell it was going to be a good fit for me," Overgaauw said. "The team was so welcoming and supportive of all the event groups. Even though we all practice at different times, we come together and support each other. That is something really special about the program. I think joining in the spring really helped me form connections with all my coaches and teammates."
 
Her dedication and hard work paid off during the indoor and outdoor track seasons, where she achieved significant milestones, including running a sub-5 mile for the first time and setting a personal record in the 5k by going sub-17 in California.
 
These achievements fueled her motivation to work diligently over the summer, preparing for the upcoming cross country season.
 
"It was a really exciting indoor season after winning the mile at conference and running sub-5 for the first time that season," Overgaauw said. "For outdoor, it was so much fun to go out to California at some of the most competitive meets in the nation and PR in the 5k by going sub-17 for the first time and then getting a PR in the 1500m. This really motivated me to work hard this summer to see what I could bring over into the fall for XC. I wanted to continue to build my mileage over the summer to help put me in the best position to help the team this fall."
 
A summer of strategic training
Ashley's summer training regimen was nothing short of impressive. She strategically built her mileage, gradually increasing her weekly distance, to ensure she was in peak condition for the cross-country season.
 
"From the end of May to the middle of August, I did about 507 miles, and from the end of May to now, before regionals, I have run about 950 miles," Overgaauw said. "My mileage for in-season has been about 43 miles on race weeks and then about 45-50 miles on non-race weeks. So, over the years, I have built my mileage and really tried to work hard over the summer to be prepared for the beginning of cross country starting in August."
 
Her hard work paid off as she opened the season with a pair of top-ten individual finishes, helping the team secure a second-place finish at the Roy Griak Invitational.
 
A team on a mission
"We were thinking since the spring that we could do something special this fall," Overgaauw said. "We started this season by saying we wanted to make it to the national championships and do all the little things to get there. We all care about each other so much, and we are all running for each other and the team. I think that this is so special and that we can do anything we put our minds to. After finishing second at Griak against some good competition, it showed that we are a threat and an underdog this season."
 
Ashley's dedication and determination were on full display at the NSIC Championships, where she achieved the highest individual finish since 1982, leading the team to a second-place finish, tied for its best finish in the last 30 years.
 
"She put the work and the miles in this summer and her dedication and hard work is paying dividends this cross country season," Blue said. "She has her eyes set on a top-five finish at the region meet next week and competing at the National meet at the end of the month.  It has been fun watching her compete this fall and attain her goals, and I have no doubt she will reach her remaining goals this season."
 
"The team finishing second and runner-up was so exciting and even more impressive after it was the best finish in the last 30 years," Overgaauw said. "I thought that we all tried our best and we gave it our all. We have a couple of girls with some injuries right now, but I'm so proud of them for going out there and trying their best for the team. Overall, I was shocked that I got second place. I'm so grateful to run beside all my friends that are like family to me and get to experience this with all of them."
 
As the Mavericks prepare for the Regional Championships and a potential berth in the NCAA Championships, Ashley and her teammates remain focused and determined.
 
"We have been talking about getting out at the start of the race and getting in a good position," Overgaauw said. "We have also talked about using the middle part of our race to push ourselves because that is when everyone gets tired. Coach Blue has told us to be comfortable being uncomfortable and that we have done the work and are ready to go. I'm excited to see how the rest of the season goes and think the men's and women's cross country teams are in a good place right now."
 
Ashley's journey with the Minnesota State Mavericks is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and the support of a close-knit team. As she continues to push boundaries and achieve new milestones, Ashley remains a key player in the Mavericks' pursuit of excellence and success on the national stage.