In Play(er) of the Week, we highlight Wesleyan athletes or parts of games that deserve extra attention. Stephanie Ager ’26 is a member of the Wesleyan women’s cross country and track teams. On Saturday, Oct. 29, she placed 11th at the NESCAC Cross-Country Championship, a placement that earned her All-NESCAC honors and made her the third first-year in program history to achieve this feat. She also earned All-Region and All-New England honors for her performance at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship on Saturday, Nov. 12, where she placed 17th overall. She then qualified to compete in the NCAA National Championship where she finished 127th, making her the second first-year in program history to qualify as an individual.  The Argus sat down with Ager to talk about her numerous historic performances, making the transition from high school to collegiate athletics, and her hopes for the future. 

The Argus: Do you mind introducing yourself?

Stephanie Ager: I’m Stephanie Ager. I’m a freshman on the cross country and track teams. I come from Bellows Falls, Vermont.

A: What made you decide to come to Wesleyan?

SA: Mainly the running aspect. Originally I was looking [at] DIII because I knew that would be a good option for me. Then I began looking at academics as well because I wanted to go to a high-level academic institution. So then I started looking at the NESCAC and eventually it led me to Wesleyan because it’s two hours from my house, so not too far, [it’s a] good academic institution obviously, and the team is building up and I wanted to make an immediate impact on the team so I was looking where I could do that. 

A: How would you describe your experience so far doing cross country at Wes?

SA: It’s been really amazing. Coming in as a freshman is really hard. So automatically, the first day, coming in preseason and already having a team is really nice because you have a whole group of girls that you can connect with immediately and they have your backs. You’re friends with them from the start. And I’d say I’m pretty close with the guys’ team as well and it’s been really fun.

A: Do you have any favorite memories from your time here so far?

SA: I’d say traveling is really fun, especially staying in the hotels. That was one thing I was looking forward to when I was looking at college because it’s a different mindset when you go to a race and you’re waking up in a hotel. It’s go time; it’s business time. I’d say the NESCAC [Championship] is my best memory because that’s where my personal record is from and I had a really good race. I was mentally in it. 

A: You are the third first-year in program history to get All-NESCAC Honors. How do you feel about that?

SA: I think it’s really cool. I honestly didn’t know much about Wesleyan’s running history. That was the first time I was hearing of it so it put a smile on my face. 

A: You also got All-Region and All-New England Honors. How did it feel to win that? 

SA: That’s also really cool. It just made me really happy because coming from a small town, during my high school cross country season I didn’t have many opportunities to travel to big races. So it’s really cool being able to accomplish all of this as a freshman. 

A: You qualified individually for the NCAA Division III Championship and you are the second first-year in program history to qualify as an individual for that. How does it feel?

SA: It’s really exciting. When I was looking at Wesleyan, I was looking at possibly going to nationals. It was a reach goal and I didn’t know how possible it was because I wasn’t very familiar with college running. And then when I found out it was actually possible a few weeks leading up, I was like “Wow, I’m really in this. I can go to nationals.” When I was racing this past weekend, I was in like 20th place in the middle of a race and then it got down to the last 800 meters or so and my coach was yelling “You’re in it! You’re in it!” meaning I have a chance if I keep it up to qualify and so that was really exciting.

A: What would you say your favorite part of cross country is and what would you say the hardest part of cross country is?

SA: I think my favorite part is having the team. Being able to train with the team every day, having a family, we all understand how hard running is and all the effort you have to put in. So it’s very rewarding having a group of people supporting you.

The hardest part [is] is the time, dedication, and all the hard work you have to put into it. We’re running all year round. Cross country season just ended for the team but now we’re already in indoor track. There’s no time between so you’re always going, and in the summer you’re always training because you gotta train for cross country coming up. So it’s hard sometimes to constantly be going but in the end, it’s really rewarding. 

A: Do you feel like you’ve grown as a runner since your collegiate career started?

SA: Oh, definitely. From the first race, I was already at my best [time] I ran all of high school. When we did our first 6k, I went through the 5k at a personal record so that was really exciting. From there, I kept getting faster and my times have already improved a lot. 

A: Obviously you have a ton ahead of you in both your track and cross-country careers. What are some things you’re looking forward to in the short term and the long term?

SA: In the short term, I’m looking forward to what I can do in indoor track because that’s right around the corner. In the long term, I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do by the end of my senior year. Hopefully, in that time getting a whole team to nationals is a goal and just making a lot of memories. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Erin Byerly can be reached at ebyerly@wesleyan.edu.