Colorado University Athletics
Jessie Secor Grounded By Faith, Driven By Consistency
January 15, 2026 | Track and Field
BOULDERÂ | University of Colorado women's cross country and track athlete Jessie Secor is quick to tell you she is more than her times.
In a sport often defined by splits, placements and personal records, the University of Colorado distance runner measures success differently. Faith, perspective and people come first. The results follow.
"I would describe myself first as a believer," Secor said. "Running is something I love and something I work hard at, but it does not define who I am."
That mindset has helped guide Secor through a rapid rise in collegiate distance running, one that has included championship appearances, program top marks and a pivotal transfer that reshaped her career.
A triplet and one of five siblings, Secor grew up in a household where competition was constant and unavoidable. Whether it was backyard games or comparing quiz scores at the kitchen table, pushing to be better was part of daily life.
"That environment gives you tough skin," she said. "It also makes you competitive in a healthy way."
Secor carried that edge into college, beginning her career at University of Tennessee, where she earned All SEC and All Region honors as a freshman. When head coach Sean Carlson left Tennessee for University of Colorado Boulder, Secor faced a decision that required reflection and trust.
Colorado was not initially on her radar. It was far from home of Louisville, Kentucky and culturally different from what she knew. That changed quickly.
"You come here and fall in love with the mountains, the people and the places to run," Secor said. "It felt right."
The transition came with challenges. Training at altitude demanded patience and recalibration. Early setbacks forced Secor to confront perfectionist tendencies common among elite distance runners.
"You have to be OK with failure," she said. "Learning how to not let a bad day spiral you has been huge for my growth."
That growth showed quickly. In her first season with the Buffaloes, Secor qualified individually for the NCAA Cross Country Championships, the lone CU representative on the women's side. While meaningful, it was incomplete.
"Cross country is a team sport," she said. "Going alone was special, but it made me want the team there even more."
This season, that goal became reality. With a rebuilt roster and growing cohesion, Colorado returned to the national stage together, transforming Secor's perspective on competition.
"Going with the team meant so much more," she said. "It was more fun and more fulfilling."
On the track, Secor has continued to progress, competing effectively across distances from the mile to the 5,000 meters. Secor currently sits second on Colorado's all-time performance list in the indoor 3,000 meters, posting a time of 8:50.63. She credits consistency and improved communication with coaches for recent breakthroughs.
"I have learned what works for me," she said. "Knowing the right effort, especially at altitude, has made a big difference."
Away from the track, Secor balances a demanding training schedule with academics, double majoring in psychology and speech language hearing sciences with plans to pursue elementary education.
"I have a heart for kids," she said. "That is what inspires me."
She unwinds through baking, sewing and embroidery — slow, deliberate hobbies that provide balance in an otherwise fast paced life.
"They force you to be present," Secor said. "You have to enjoy the process."
As she looks ahead, Secor remains focused on steady improvement and meaningful impact rather than accolades.
"I hope my legacy is not about the times I ran," she said. "I hope it is about the person I was and how I made people feel."
For Secor, the race is never just about the finish line. It is about purpose, perspective and running for something bigger than herself.
Secor and the Buffaloes will open their 2026 home slate at the Potts Invitational on Jan. 17 at the Ford Practice Facility.
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In a sport often defined by splits, placements and personal records, the University of Colorado distance runner measures success differently. Faith, perspective and people come first. The results follow.
"I would describe myself first as a believer," Secor said. "Running is something I love and something I work hard at, but it does not define who I am."
That mindset has helped guide Secor through a rapid rise in collegiate distance running, one that has included championship appearances, program top marks and a pivotal transfer that reshaped her career.
A triplet and one of five siblings, Secor grew up in a household where competition was constant and unavoidable. Whether it was backyard games or comparing quiz scores at the kitchen table, pushing to be better was part of daily life.
"That environment gives you tough skin," she said. "It also makes you competitive in a healthy way."
Secor carried that edge into college, beginning her career at University of Tennessee, where she earned All SEC and All Region honors as a freshman. When head coach Sean Carlson left Tennessee for University of Colorado Boulder, Secor faced a decision that required reflection and trust.
Colorado was not initially on her radar. It was far from home of Louisville, Kentucky and culturally different from what she knew. That changed quickly.
"You come here and fall in love with the mountains, the people and the places to run," Secor said. "It felt right."
The transition came with challenges. Training at altitude demanded patience and recalibration. Early setbacks forced Secor to confront perfectionist tendencies common among elite distance runners.
"You have to be OK with failure," she said. "Learning how to not let a bad day spiral you has been huge for my growth."
That growth showed quickly. In her first season with the Buffaloes, Secor qualified individually for the NCAA Cross Country Championships, the lone CU representative on the women's side. While meaningful, it was incomplete.
"Cross country is a team sport," she said. "Going alone was special, but it made me want the team there even more."
This season, that goal became reality. With a rebuilt roster and growing cohesion, Colorado returned to the national stage together, transforming Secor's perspective on competition.
"Going with the team meant so much more," she said. "It was more fun and more fulfilling."
On the track, Secor has continued to progress, competing effectively across distances from the mile to the 5,000 meters. Secor currently sits second on Colorado's all-time performance list in the indoor 3,000 meters, posting a time of 8:50.63. She credits consistency and improved communication with coaches for recent breakthroughs.
"I have learned what works for me," she said. "Knowing the right effort, especially at altitude, has made a big difference."
Away from the track, Secor balances a demanding training schedule with academics, double majoring in psychology and speech language hearing sciences with plans to pursue elementary education.
"I have a heart for kids," she said. "That is what inspires me."
She unwinds through baking, sewing and embroidery — slow, deliberate hobbies that provide balance in an otherwise fast paced life.
"They force you to be present," Secor said. "You have to enjoy the process."
As she looks ahead, Secor remains focused on steady improvement and meaningful impact rather than accolades.
"I hope my legacy is not about the times I ran," she said. "I hope it is about the person I was and how I made people feel."
For Secor, the race is never just about the finish line. It is about purpose, perspective and running for something bigger than herself.
Secor and the Buffaloes will open their 2026 home slate at the Potts Invitational on Jan. 17 at the Ford Practice Facility.
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Players Mentioned
Distance
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