Hard work, determination and skill led Olivia Brady to the UNA cross country team in 2012.

The sophomore from Trussville started running to get in shape for her junior high basketball team, she said.

“Back in seventh grade my basketball coach made the team run to get in shape,” Brady said. “I realized then that I actually liked running.”

She realized she was good at running when she was in eighth grade and was asked to come run for the high school team, Brady said.

“In eighth grade, the high school cross-country coach pulled me up to the team and wanted me to run,” Brady said. “I just remember not wanting to let anyone down. I wanted to do my best and not disappoint anyone.”

Brady is a secondary education major who sought out UNA on her own as opposed to being recruited by the cross-country team’s head coach Scott Trimble.

“When I was still at Hewitt-Trussville I knew that cross country was something that I wanted to continue doing, and I contacted some coaches, including coach Trimble,” Brady said. “Once I came and checked it out, I was sold.”

As a member of the Honors program and the Infinity Project, Brady said she is spread thin.

“Helping get the Infinity Project up and going and being in the Honors Program keeps me pretty busy, but I also volunteer at the animal shelter here in town any weekend when I’m not at a meet,” Brady said.

She has enjoyed her time at UNA, she said.

“I like UNA,” Brady said. “It’s one of those environments where you can have fun and learn at the same time. All the classes let me use everything I learn and that’s really what school should be about.”

When she is not competing or volunteering, Brady said she likes to try and get away from the hustle and bustle of life.

“I like to just take a hammock down to McFarland (Park) and just read a book or take a nap,” Brady said. “I do try and find time to just relax and get away from things.”

Her future is not exactly mapped out, but she does have some aspirations that she is planning for, she said.

“Ideally, I would like to teach high school history and maybe coach,” Brady said. “Eventually I would like to get my doctorate and teach at the college level and coach as well. I’m just hoping that whatever I gain from UNA I can utilize to the best of my ability.”