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Now, a decade later, after earning NCAA All-American honors in cross country and completing her undergraduate degree in kinesiology at the University of Colorado, Feezell still projects the same energy and enthusiasm that drove her to athletic excellence as a teenager.
Feezell joined the Whitman College cross country program as an assistant coach in the fall of 1996, bringing with her a coaching philosophy based on consistent, honest effort. "Always try your best," she said. "Finish every race and practice unless you're hurt. Never give up."
In her first season as a Whitman cross country assistant, Feezell ran with the women's team two days a week. She did most of her coaching in workouts, although she traveled with the team at times and even ran in a few meets as an unattached competitor.
Feezell said she enjoyed the role that comes with being a veteran runner with advice to pass along to younger athletes. She also appreciated the chance to run in team workouts.
"I love running with them," she said. "I almost feel like I'm part of the team."
Even though Feezell gravitates more to the women's team, she spends time with the men's team as well. "We've really got a great bunch."
Feezell also works part-time at a local fitness club as a personal trainer and instructor, and she teaches a "Stretch and Strength" class she developed. Some Whitman runners have started her using her stretching routines with good success.
After graduating from Green Mountain High School in Lakewood, Colorado, in 1985, Feezell attended the University of Colorado on a cross country and track scholarship. In 1986, she placed 23rd at the 1986 NCAA Division I cross country championships to earn All-American honors. She also was invited that year to the junior elite distance runners camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
After lettering four years in both sports at the University of Colorado, Feezell graduated in 1990 with a degree in kinesiology. In 1992, she began a master's degree in education at Wayland Baptist University, where she also served as an assistant coach in the school's nationally-recognized women's track and cross country programs.
She added to her coaching experience in 1994-95, working as an assistant coach at DePaul University in Chicago.
Looking ahead to the spring of 1997, Feezell hopes to work with the track team a few days a week, although she doesn't plan to travel as much. Instead, she wants to give as much support as possible to her husband, Travis Feezell, who coaches the Whitman baseball team.
"I want to be the biggest fan of Whitman baseball," she said.
The Feezells have one son, Jackson, born Dec. 31, 1994.