Hannah Kemp has not only been the model of consistency for the West Liberty University women’s cross country and track teams, but she has also found herself to be one of the premier runners throughout the Mountain East Conference (MEC). An attendee of Union Local High School, Kemp’s high school career featured a regional qualification, and also included a OVAC championship. That success was easily noticed by college coaches, and Kemp eventually committed to West Liberty University, where she is now currently majoring in Exercise Physiology, with a concentration in Pre-Athletic Training.

When Kemp first stepped foot on West Liberty’s campus as a freshman, she took the conference by storm as a dual sport athlete. As it currently stands, Kemp holds numerous university records, including indoor track records in the mile run and 3,000 meters, as well as outdoor track records in the 1,500 meter, 5,000 meter, and 10,000 meter.

The success on the track has undoubtedly transferred to cross country, where Kemp was undefeated in competition during the abbreviated 2021 season. That same season, Kemp was named the MEC 2021 Runner of the Year, which only adds to her accolades. In her entire career, she has also been named to the 2021 MEC All-Academic team, and is a 2-time All-Region and All-MEC selection in women’s cross country and track.

This year she picked up right where she left off. Out of the three races she’s competed in, she’s won two. She placed first in the Bethany Invitational which had 12 teams competing. She also won the Carnegie Mellon Invitational which had 14 schools and over 100 runners. She also placed in the top 15 at the Lock Haven Invitational where she competed against 250 runners and several division one schools. At this race she was only one of three MEC runners to place in the top 20. With this success, one might have expected she had been running her entire life, but she hasn’t.

“I have been running since the summer before I entered 7th grade, which is roughly nine years,” said Kemp. She also went on to add that in regards to her interest in running distance, her love for it did not begin in high school, rather, her entrance into college. Kemp said “in high school, I quickly found that sprints were not my forte. I did not develop a love for longer distances until I came to college. Last spring, my coach introduced me to the 10k. I have run numerous 5k’s but the 10k distance on the track was a new, yet interesting, experience. Running distance is a privilege, and I find it extremely rewarding. I enjoy getting the ‘runner’s high’ and it’s a great stress reliever. Sometimes there will be times when I don’t want to go out the door to run, but there is never any regret once the run is over.”

It is easy to recognize the difference between Kemp’s love for the sport compared to others. When asked about what her favorite moment has been throughout the entirety of her career, Kemp responded with, “my favorite memory in my running career has not been a specific moment, more so, the transition to collegiate running. I have been able to find ‘my people’ and develop a deeper passion for the sport. I have met a great group of runners, on my team and from other teams, and I have a really great coach. I’ve also had some of the most enjoyable runs and races since I entered college. I am very fortunate to have plenty of beautiful places to run and embrace nature, like some of the back roads surrounding campus.”

The love Kemp has for her teammates had been shown throughout all of the interview, and when asked about not only hers, but the team’s overall vision for this season, Kemp explained that, “I like to enter each season with a clean slate. There will always be expectations, but I have found it best to take each race as it comes to avoid any unnecessary stress. As far as team goals, it is in our best interest to stay healthy and each do our part. We can accomplish more than we think when we have a positive outlook on each task at hand. I see great things for us in the future.”

Kemp also liked discussing her plans after West Liberty, and when asked about it, went on to add, “after college I would like to pursue a career helping people in either a therapy or athletic training setting. I would like to find a job where I am needed, but also active. I also plan on continuing to run for enjoyment, garden, and take up hiking.” What makes Kemp such a special runner, as well as an overall person, is her outlook on her team, her career, life, and future goals. With the ongoing cross country season, Kemp looks forward to adding to her success and fortunes, with everybody on the Hilltop supporting her.