Ostrander looks to bring championship culture to SPU as coach
Allie Ostrander
A winner at every level, Allie Ostrander of Kenai is changing lanes by going from world-class runner to volunteer coach.
The 13-time NCAA All-American and Millrose Games winner looks to bring a championship culture to Seattle Pacific University.
Ostrander last year moved to Seattle, where she works with the Brooks Running track club. She will focus on the distance runners at SPU while continuing to train for her budding pro career.
“We’re thrilled that an athlete the caliber of Allie Ostrander would reach out and want to give back to the sport,” said Karl Lerum, director of the school’s running program.
“I think Allie is going to give us, as coaches, a fresh perspective. She’ll also be able to model a little bit to our current student-athletes what it takes to be as accomplished of an athlete as she is.”
Ostrander, 23, said she’s always had the ambition to coach and SPU seemed like a good place to start.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes and be involved and learn from a really quality coach,” Ostrander said.
Ostrander, of Kenai High fame, was a college star from 2015 to 2019 at Boise State University, where she became the first woman in NCAA history to win three straight national titles in the steeplechase.
She was also a three-time All-American in cross country and finished second, fourth and sixth, respectively, in three appearances at the NCAA Championships.
Ostrander (left) posted her first victory as a pro at the 113th Millrose Games in New York City.
Ostrander’s resume gives her instant credibility as a coach.
“Not only are they inspired by what she has been able to do, she brings a lot to the coaching side, too,” said SPU coach Chris Reed. “She has plenty to offer as far as instruction and perspective. She is extremely driven, and it’s great to have that presence.”
In 2019, Ostrander posted a PR in the steeplechase at the IAAF World Championships in Qatar.
In early 2020, she posted her first victory as a pro, winning the 3,000 at the 113th Millrose Games in New York City.
“There’s no better way to learn about greatness than to be around people who have done it and are continuing to pursue it,” said Lerum.