Rachel McArthur Explains Transfer to Colorado

By Todd Grasley for DyeStat

Villanova distance standout Rachel McArthur has announced she will transfer to the University of Colorado for her junior and senior seasons. McArthur was an integral part of the Wildcats’ success in both track and cross country. She discusses her decision in a conversation that covered her present situation and what she's looking forward to in the future.  

DyeStat: You spent your first two years at Villanova. What were some of your proudest accomplishments during your time there?

McArthur: I’d say my proudest moments at Villanova took place during my final (sophomore) year. I had been (roughly) our seventh or eighth runner in cross country my freshman year, never placing higher than top 10 at our Big East Conference/Regional meets, but my sophomore year I was runner up in the Big East and following that, won our (Mid-Atlantic) Regional meet. It was pouring rain and freezing during that race as well, so I’m pretty proud of myself for pulling off the win, along with having my teammates following close behind me!

I also am extremely proud of how my DMR relay placed at Indoor NCAAs my sophomore year. It was my first time competing on a very large stage with them and we finished fourth with first-team All-American honors. Really, though, I find that most of my proudest accomplishments weren't a solo effort; I credit much of my best/favorite moments to the teammates I got to share the experiences with.

DyeStat: Transferring is never an easy decision. What were the overall factors that lead to you leaving?

McArthur: I was simply unhappy at Villanova, but my reasons for such unhappiness were entirely personal. Despite the success I believed I had in both cross country and track, there was more to my life that I felt I was missing and running at a satisfactory level was not reason enough to make me stay. My decision to transfer came down to choosing to focus on my overall happiness and even though it was a very, very difficult decision, I knew it would be best for my overall well-being to go elsewhere.

DyeStat: Was Colorado always a school on your radar? Where else did you consider?

McArthur: I had the University of Colorado on my radar when I was in high school, but the worry of moving across the country and living independently for the first time in my life kept me from pursuing that interest further. I did reach out to two other midwest programs during the transfer procedure that also had very strong teams, coaching staff and facilities. However, my prior high school interest in Colorado lingered in the back of my mind throughout the process and once I determined I was ready for an across-the-country move, I decided to pursue CU. 

DyeStat: What sold you on the Buffaloes? 

McArthur: Boulder is an amazing area to live/train in and while I’ve only been here for about a month now, I find there is never a shortage of things to do. The coaches, too, were a huge part of my decision, as I have a lot of respect for them and want to be trained by people who support me, want the best for me, and have the resources to turn me into the athlete they believe I can be. Along with the coaches and the resources that are offered to me here, both the men’s and women’s teams are very talented and I wanted to join a strong, tight-knit program that would push me to become a better athlete. Plus, everyone is incredibly nice and supportive, which has been really great in helping me adjust to living here.

DyeStat: The women’s cross country team won NCAAs last year. Is the plan to compete in all three seasons, indoor, outdoor and cross country?

McArthur: While I do enjoy the 800, I would really say I prefer the 1,500 over it! I’m also very willing to move up in distance on the track, as I am a cross country runner and enjoy competing in longer events as well. I am joining an incredibly strong XC team here at CU and I 100 percent want to contribute to their success this year, but as of now I am hoping to just stay healthy so that I am able to compete all year long. I can’t speak for sure on what events I will be focusing on, but I’m excited to see what’s in store!

DyeStat: How long have you been out in Boulder?

McArthur: I’ve been here for about a month now. I got here relatively early to adjust to the area/training and am really glad I did so. I am taking a summer course and I also have a job, so between training and work, I’ve been pretty busy!

DyeStat: I know you've gotten close with Dani Jones. You've also been working with Jenny Simpson as well, one of the best American middle distance runners ever. What’s your bond with Dani been like and what have you learned from Jenny in your time there? 

McArthur: While I’ve only been here a month and the rest of the team is just really starting to arrive now, it’s been great to have someone like Dani (and my other housemate Sage Hurta) to run with/hang around. Along with Jenny, everyone is very supportive and they’ve all really helped me adjust to life and running out here. I don’t know the area completely yet, so having people around to direct me to the best places to run (and also best places to get coffee!) has been great. 

DyeStat: What are your goals for your last two seasons?

McArthur: I don’t know what my seasons will hold, but my goals are to of course stay healthy, contribute to the team success to the best of my ability, and improve upon all of my previous personal bests. I want to become a much stronger athlete, so I’m excited for CU to assist me in becoming that.