As Taylor’s cross country and track and field teams continue to collect numerous accolades, one of their most consistent, high performing runners is getting ready to start the outdoor track season.
Junior Noel VanderWall has been a major part of Taylor’s running programs during all three of her collegiate years. She has helped the team reach their high standard of excellence through multiple Crossroads League championships and NAIA Nationals performances in both track and cross country.
Head cross country coach Quinn White said that VanderWall’s outlook on racing and life has helped continue her growth as an athlete.
“Noel has been extremely successful competing the past three years. One area of growth has been her mindset,” he said. “Noel enters races with conviction, excitement, and joy. She has an innate desire to push herself, but we have seen her purpose and belief develop over the past years.”
In her career, VanderWall has earned 12 All-American titles, three of which were earned during each of her cross country seasons at Taylor. The other eight were awarded during NAIA Indoor and Outdoor National Track and Field National Championships.
Most recently on the track, VanderWall competed at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships where she placed fourth in the mile with a time of 4:52.58. She was also part of the distance-medley relay team that placed second overall with a time of 11:50.58.
Both of these times were not only Taylor records, but records that had been previously set by and with VanderWall. Head track and field coach Derek Gay said that VanderWall is a leader by example on the team. Through consistency, crushing workouts, and dedication, he said she has the opportunity to grow others as well as herself.
“She has high expectations of herself,” he said. “I think that’s maybe the starting point; I think she has a good understanding of what she is capable of and kind of knows what it’s going to take to get those high expectations and goals. And then it kind of goes back to every day at practice, just doing what you need to do.”
VanderWall attributed major sources of encouragement to her coaches, both throughout high school and college, her teammates, and the people that have been with her since day one.
“They aren’t just there for me day of, or during the race, they are there for me all of the time,” VanderWall said.
Coach White said that the coaching staff doesn’t have to motivate VanderWall, but rather help her zoom in and keep things in perspective so that she is able to race at her best.
“Noel embraces her opportunities to train and compete all while striving for excellence in the classroom,” White said. “She also does it with a joyful and grateful heart. She takes advantage of the opportunities she has been given, and she does with all with the desire to glorify God. She is simply a very authentic young woman who has a heart of gold.”
With very little time off between cross country, outdoor and indoor track seasons, he said that VanderWall’s attitude towards her training makes all the difference.
VanderWall said another group that has greatly impacted her athletic and personal growth at Taylor is the women’s cross country team. A part of the Maddawgs for the past three years, she said that the team is amazing to talk to, reflect with, and rejoice with.
“I feel like I can go to anybody and really genuinely feel celebrated, and also be able to genuinely celebrate them,” she said. “I think we have a unique space in that way, where there’s zero competitiveness and we are here to run together and serve the Lord and those around us together.”
VanderWall said that it has been a unifying space to be in and to grow in. In the 2024 season, she helped the team win their 12th straight Crossroads League Title with a fourth place finish coming in at 21:32.2. She was also a part of the team’s second place finish at the NAIA National Cross Country Championships, placing 7th with a time of 21:06.9.
Regardless of performance, VanderWall said the most important thing that she holds on to is her real identity in Jesus, and reminders that she is a daughter of the King.
“This talent is not mine, it’s a gift from God and I’m so thankful for it,” she said.
