Track and field standout Raelyn Werley is launching a comeback campaign that has earned her the title of Athlete of the Month and March Star of the Month.

Werley is only the sixth CSUSM athlete named to be named Star of the Month by the San Diego Hall of Champions during the 2015-2016 season.

This recent accolade comes within days of Werley being named CSUSM Athlete of the Month.

“It came out of nowhere! But it made me happy. It made me feel like all my hard work paid off. It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to run,” Werley said.

Unfortunately, Werley had to take a leave of absence due to health issues that forced her to take a step back from the sport.  

“Not being able to run has made me a better athlete as a whole. It’s made me work harder, enjoy the process of running, embracing it and becoming an athlete overall,” she said.

Once Werley got the chance to run again, she wasted no time getting back to racing form. On March 11 at the Oxy Distance Carnival in Los Angeles, she finished the 10,000m race with a time of 35:53.99. Her 10,000m time is the fastest in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

Not only does Werley lead the CCAA, but she is also excelling at local meets. Werley recorded a personal best in the 3000m at the Aztec Invitational on March 25 when she posted a time of 10:08.80.

“She’s such a competitor. She pushes herself to the limit,” Head Coach Steve Scott said. “I’m happy to see her training, feeling good and racing fast.”

Werley credits her recent success to her ability to persevere despite tough times.

“The moments that have shaped me the most are the difficult things I have had to go through,” the junior said.

The time off not only taught Werley valuable lessons, but increased her love for running. “Being unable to compete has made me more excited about running now, especially with my teammates. I don’t care if it’s 10 minutes or an hour—I’m happy to be running,” she said.  

Werley attributes much of her success to the help from Scott.

“[He] has definitely helped me. The way he coaches, he’s more concerned about me as a person than me as a runner. He’s my dad away from home.” Werley said. “He’s helped me get back into shape and keep my sanity as well.”

What exactly sets Werley apart from other runners?
“She’s a team leader … Even when she couldn’t run, she was still out here at practice every day,” said Scott. “She’s a role model for everyone else because of her unbelievable work ethic … I can’t say enough about her.”