Efraimson's Fresh Start Includes Elite Teammates 'To Push Me Every Single Day'

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Photos by Tim Healy

Nike professional Alexa Efraimson has moved into 2021 with a new training group and a new outlook.

Efraimson, 23, said Saturday that she has joined Pete Julian's Nike-sponsored group and that she has been training with the group since the fall.

"One of the big things that I wanted was a group of teammates that were going to push me every single day, and I've gotten that," Efraimson said. "The transition has been really smooth and I'm loving my new teammates and the training environment that I'm in."

Her new training group includes Raevyn Rogers and Shannon Rowbury.

Efraimson made waves prior to her senior year of high school at Camas WA, when she signed a pro contract and decided to accelerate her career instead of choosing to run in college.

Mike Hickey, who mentored her to the Nike Cross Nationals title in 2013 and then guided her to a national high school record in the 1,600 meters (4:33.29) at the Washington state track and field championships in 2014, has been her coach for 10 years.

"When I started working with coach Hickey, I didn't realize how far he would take me and I can't express enough gratitude to him for all the sacrifices he made to help me get to where I am today," she said. "I could go to him about anything. He helped me mature and grow as an athlete and helped me spiritually, emotionally, mentally."

Efraimson broke the American U20 record in the 1,500 meters at the 2015 Prefontaine Classic when she ran 4:03.39.

Efraimson last raced at the 2019 Pan Am Games in Peru, where she earned the bronze medal in the 1,500 meters.

In 2020, she underwent shoulder surgery during a period of time when there were few opportunities to race.

She said she is 100 percent healthy to begin the new year.

"I am really excited about making this switch and the training that I am doing now," Efraimson said.