If you’ve been around Lincoln Track the last few years, you’ve definitely noticed star senior Frances Staulcup smoking the competition. Staulcup’s track journey began her freshman year. “I started running freshman year because I wanted to have a spring sport and stay in shape for soccer,” she said. But over time, that mindset changed. “At the beginning of my junior season”, she said, was when she realized she wanted to take running more seriously. Since then, she’s become an important part of the team, both on and off the track. One of her favorite high school memories was “Racing at Nike Nationals with my relay team and getting Menchies after,” she said. Like any athlete, Staulcup has faced challenges along the way. “Dealing with nerves before meets” has been one of the toughest parts of her career, she said. Through it all, she credits her support system, adding that her “parents have been super supportive” throughout her journey.

On the track, Staulcup has found enjoyment in the 1600. “It’s a good balance where you can still go fast but it’s not too many laps,” she says. Looking ahead, she’s excited for what’s next for her track journey at Seattle U. “I feel like they have a really great team environment and coaching”, she said. “Also, it’s nice to stay close to my family.” She’s looking forward to the challenge of competing at the next level, saying she’s excited about “getting to compete against a lot of new and faster people to help push me to get better.” As her senior season comes to a close, Staulcup leaves a lasting impact on the program, and her athletic journey is just beginning. The Lynx will miss her out on the track, but it is known that she will do big things right down the road at Seattle University.