Name: Katie Hirsche 

Sports: Cross Country and Track and Field

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

High School: Edmund Burke School

Activities/Clubs/Committees: CER (Committee for Environmental Responsibility, Game Staff, Music Library, LGBTQIA+ club

Favorite professional athletes: Allie Ostrander and Allyson Felix

Fun Fact: I have a dog named Sophie!

Why did you choose Haverford?
I chose Haverford because of the beautiful campus, top-tier academics, and strong distance program. I wasn't able to enter any buildings during my visit due to COVID restrictions, but could sense that the school had a comforting, friendly environment.

What do you love most about the sports you play?
I love that track and cross country combine team and individual goals. Each person has the incentive to perform their best in their respective event in order to help the team produce a competitive score in cross country and track alike and everyone's supportive of each other, especially at Haverford. I love watching my teammates compete in a variety of different events.

Why did you choose to play a sport in college?
I want to be a club runner, hopefully up to the professional level, after graduation and wanted to experience the environment of a supportive, competitive team of student-athletes at an institution that would provide me with an excellent educational experience.

What makes Haverford unique?
For me, Haverford has a great balance between intensive, fulfilling academics, a friendly social atmosphere, and a focus on performing as well as possible athletically. Students are able to take classes at Swarthmore, the University of Pennsylvania, and Bryn Mawr, where I've spent more than half my time so far. It allows for a varied educational experience where any student can find their path.

What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
Being a student-athlete lets me find a good balance between my ambitious athletic goals and finding fulfillment and interest in my academic and social life. I'm able to have fun and enjoy my training and classes while also aiming for the best possible results.

What are your thoughts on the Honor Code?
I think that the Honor Code sets Haverford apart from other institutions. It helps create a sense of trust and support system among the whole community, from the college's administration to students. It allows for flexibility in classes and methods of learning so that everyone can get the most out of their Haverford experience.

What advice would you give a high school student considering Haverford? 
I would say that it's best to get as much information as possible from different sources such as students and professors! Visiting campus was what made me decide to come,come,come, so that's also a key element to making your decision on which college to go to. Keep in mind that there are a lot of opportunities to explore academically and it's not hard to change plans, even in sophomore or junior year. Haverford is a great place to get a comprehensive education, even for those intending to go to law school or medical school.