On Tuesday morning, Paige Mills stepped into the athletic office with a huge smile on her face.

There was a bounce in the steps her well-worn running shoes took. The last beads of sweat from a morning run glistened on her forehead.

Every part of Mills, from her shoes to her smile, exudes a love for running.

For Mills, the new Assistant Cross Country Coach, desire is a guiding philosophy.

“I look for the passion of running. I want them to love it. I want them to look forward to coming to practice” said Mills.

It took the New Hampshire native no more than a split second to articulate her main goal for CSUSM athletes.

The focus is “above all, academics… [and that they] get their degrees on time,” said Mills.

Passion and a degree is the ideal result of a worthwhile student athlete experience. As a graduate of Keene State with a Bachelor’s in Health Science, Mills knows how to thrive in this role.

At Keene State, it did not take long for the athletic and scholastic accolades to pile up. Between 2008 and 2012, Mills completed her degree, made five appearances in NCAA Division III National Championships, and was named Division III All-American three times.

Mills’ vast numbers of achievements speaks to a high level of dedication and is one of the reasons that Head Coach Steve Scott chose her.

“[She is] very dedicated to her sport and serves as a great example to all members of the team” said Scott.

In the first weeks of school, Mills has proven that she will not shy away from the task of leading by example. Not only will she take a stand behind her athletes, but she will run beside them in the heat of the morning.

With sweat dripping down her face, and giving it all she has, Mills will support this team.