Athletics

Following My Sister’s Footsteps

N Our Voice by Ali Bainbridge

Following My Sister’s FootstepsJaden Gebeke

Growing up, my older sister was my biggest inspiration. 

Six years older, she was my role model in every way—whether sharing clothes or giving advice, she was always there to guide me.

Following her path was natural. 

She was the first in our family to take up running, and when I started cross-country and track in seventh grade, it was because I wanted to be like her. 

Even now, I still go to her for advice before every race, relying on both her and my parents for support.

That close-knit family bond has been my anchor, especially as I’ve taken on the challenges of being a cross-country athlete at Nebraska.

My journey, from high school to now, has been shaped by their encouragement and belief in me.

From High School to College

My goal to run at the collegiate level was clear from early on, but things got serious during my sophomore year of high school.

I transferred to a larger school, where the competition was tougher, and I realized I had to push myself to get noticed. 

I poured everything into my training, driven by the dream of running at college.

Senior year brought campus visits, and Nebraska quickly stood out. 

It felt like home the moment I stepped on campus.

The coach, the team, and the supportive community were everything I could hope for, and the distance from home was just right — not too close, not too far. 

Choosing Nebraska was an easy choice.

But once I arrived, the transition was tougher than I’d expected. Living away from my family and adapting to the demands of college life was a big adjustment. 

Thankfully, the upperclassmen welcomed me in immediately.

They guided me through the ups and downs, making sure I felt like part of the team. 

Early in my freshman year, we took a team trip to Colorado without our coaches. We spent those days bonding over fun activities and shared goals, creating connections that made us a family. 

That sense of belonging carried me through the most challenging moments.

Overcoming Physical Setbacks

This past summer, I developed arch pain that sidelined me for much of June and July, forcing me to pull back from my usual training.

Instead of my normal miles, I did a lot of swimming and focused on cross-training and worked with my coach to ease back into running without reinjury. 

Missing out on the full training experience was frustrating, especially watching my teammates prepare while I sat out.

With a careful approach and plenty of patience, I regained my strength and started the season in pretty good shape. Despite the setbacks, my season brought some high points, including earning second-team All-Big Ten honors at the Big Ten Championships just a few weeks back — a huge honor as a sophomore.

My coach’s mantra this year has been "elevate," urging us to use each race as a chance to take a step forward. 

I approached the Big Ten race with that mindset, and it paid off. 

Building on that success, I’m more motivated than ever as I prepare for regionals this week and, hopefully, nationals in two weeks.

Elevating My Game

Looking ahead to the NCAA regionals, my goal is to qualify for nationals as a team. 

It’s a big challenge, but I believe we’re capable of reaching that level together.

If we don’t make it as a team, I’m hoping to qualify individually. Competing at nationals has always been the ultimate goal, and I would love the opportunity to represent Nebraska on the biggest stage.

Being part of the Nebraska cross-country team — and Nebraska women’s athletics in general — has been an incredible experience.

The support for women’s sports here is inspiring. 

I’ve seen the increased recognition and investment in women’s athletics firsthand.

Events like the volleyball team breaking attendance records on Volleyball Day show the community’s commitment to supporting athletes, regardless of gender.

Being a part of a program that promotes female athletes and provides us with resources has strengthened my pride in my sport and my school.

I'm so excited to see how female sports continue to grow for the next generation, too. 

For young girls who dream of competing at this level, my advice is to embrace every step of the journey.

Dedication, sacrifice, and hard work are essential, but so is enjoying the process. 

The friendships you build with teammates and coaches are invaluable, and each phase — from middle school to high school to college — brings its own unique experiences.

One of my most treasured memories happened recently when my family surprised me at a meet. 

My parents, sister, and even my brand-new baby nephew were there, cheering me on from the stands.

Seeing their faces and feeling their support filled me with a sense of pride and gratitude.

It reminded me that success isn’t just about the medals and accolades. 

It’s about the memories you make with the people who stand by you, through every victory and every setback.

Looking Forward

As I work to elevate my performances and represent Nebraska with pride, my family’s support is with me every step of the way. 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to run, learn, and grow alongside teammates who are now family to me, too.

Looking ahead, my aim is to make every race count, and to inspire others — just as my sister inspired me — to chase their dreams with passion. 

With the support of my family, teammates, and the Nebraska community, I’m committed to giving my all and leaving a lasting legacy in women’s athletics.