PHILADELPHIA – La Salle cross country/track and field coach Tina Muir was recognized as an NCAA Woman of the Year finalist in August after enjoying a decorated distance career at Ferris State University ('08-'12) where she was an All-American in 11 different seasons.

Muir's journey began in St. Albans, England, where she grew up until moving to the United States to attend college. Her career at Ferris State produced a number of opportunities, including an NCAA WOTY nomination and a trip to England's Olympic trials, which she competed in over the summer.

Arguably the most accomplished female distance runner in Bulldog history, Muir set PRs in the 1500m (4:26), 5K (16:10), and 10K (33:47) during her career en route to being named Ferris State's Bulldog of the Year three consecutive years.

“I have so many happy memories from my time at Ferris State,” Muir said. “I had such a wonderful support system that was there to get me through the bad times and be overjoyed for me during the good times.”

Stephen Picucci coached Muir throughout her career and saw substantial growth in her over the course of four years.

“I saw her grow into an athlete that was willing to do whatever it took to be successful and reach the highest level she could,” Picucci said. “Once she adjusted to everything here it was only a matter of time before she started to take herself to the next level.”

Muir's next level was one that very few runners under Picucci have ever achieved.

“As of right now she is the best female runner I have ever coached and may have set some school records that will last for a very long time,” Picucci said.

While her accomplishments and recognitions at Ferris State were significant, there was no honor more noteworthy than Muir's nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year in August.

The NCAA boasts over 200,000 female student-athletes and received 429 nominations this year for its annual award which recognizes athletic achievement along with academic prowess, community engagement, and leadership skills.

Muir posted a 3.88 GPA during her career as a recreation, leadership and management major.

Picucci raved about Muir's well-rounded nature and the qualities she embodied on a daily basis.

“Tina led by example in both areas [academically and athletically] by how committed she is at practice and in the classroom,” Picucci said. “She set the tone for our entire program with her work ethic.

“When younger athletes see the number one runner working as hard as she does in practice and in the classroom they realize what it takes to be successful in both areas and start to develop the same work ethic.”

The 429 nominations were whittled down to 30 names, 10 from each NCAA Division, who were invited to the prestigious awards banquet on October 14 in Indianapolis.

Muir made the cut.

“I was over the moon to be one of the top 30 honorees for WOTY,” Muir said. “It meant so much to me as it showed that I have more to offer the world than just my running ability.”

Muir thoroughly enjoyed her WOTY experience and made memories that will last a lifetime.

“The WOTY awards weekend was absolutely amazing,” Muir said. “I met so many wonderful, genuine women from all different sports and divisions who had achieved so much during their collegiate careers.

“My mother and aunt flew in to attend and my athletics director, associate athletics director and coach drove 11 hours to be at the event, which meant so much to me and really showed how proud they were of my achievements.”

Muir's mother and aunt flew to Indianapolis from St. Albans, England where she was born and raised until coming to Ferris State in the fall of 2008.

While she did not embrace running initially, Muir had a knack for the sport and she quickly caught on.
“Surprisingly, I actually didn't like running at first,” Muir said. “I remember hiding in the bathrooms one day before a 'fun run' my school was putting on! However, I realized I was pretty good at it when we had to do cross country in PE lessons and I ran for the school at local competitions.”

Observers began to catch on too.

“One of my school teachers recommended that I join a running club, where I met my coach, Brad Plummer,” Muir said. “He inspired me and helped me find enjoyment in running that I never thought possible.”

Muir could be found on countless mornings running the streets of St. Albans in the shadow of the 15^th century clock tower, traversing the historic marketplace or circling the iconic Cathedral and Abbey Church. However, the budding distance superstar was more than willing to exchange her daily route for Big Rapids, Michigan, a town that nearly doubles its population when school is in session.

“I realized that I was at a point in my life where I needed to take a leap of faith and trust that it would all work out as I had always wanted to attend university in the U.S.,” Muir said.

Muir still takes pride in her English heritage, and exemplified it admirably this past summer when she competed in the Great Britain Olympic Trials, placing third in the 10K.

“Competing at the Olympic Trials was one of the most surreal, yet incredible experiences I have ever had,” Muir said. “To be invited and to race in such a prestigious event will always be remembered as one of my greatest achievements.”

Muir chuckled when sharing her experience, likening herself to a movie star.

“During the race, fans were cheering on every part of the track; it was wonderful to have so much support from people who didn't even know me,” Muir said. “After the race, children were asking for my autograph and to have their picture taken with me which is something I never thought would happen.”

Muir's long journey has ended. For now. She now finds herself closer to home, nearly 800 miles closer, at 20^th & Olney where she shares her talents and experiences in working with the cross country/track and field programs at La Salle.

Coaching has come naturally to Muir, who has continued running while pursuing an MBA at La Salle. She trains 60-75 miles per week and placed fifth in the Philadelphia Half-Marathon on November 18, clocking a 1:15:10.

“I have raced a few times this season and each of the races have shown that I am stronger than I have ever been,” Muir said.

The Olympics come every four years, you know.


Watch Tina's CBS interview after finishing fifth at the Philadelphia Half-Marathon.