Anna Roessner has achieved track and field awards since high school and continues at Hillsdale College, winning numerous indoor Great Midwest Athletic Conference Women’s Track Athlete of the Week awards, breaking the G-MAC 60 meter-dash record, and competing at DII Indoor Nationals this March. She’s only a freshman. 

At her collegiate debut in December, Roessner ran the 60 meter-dash in 7.36 seconds, breaking the conference record and placing her first in NCAA Division II. By the end of indoor season, she was named G-MAC Freshman of the Year. 

Roessner, who regularly participates in the indoor 60m dash, the outdoor 100-meter and 200-meter dash, and the 4×100-meter relay, also won the title at the G-MAC Indoor Championships. Roessner is currently ranked first in the G-MAC 100m and second in the 200m. She also was on the 4x100m school record team that raced 46.01 at their team opener. 

In addition to her college awards, Roessner won state in the 100m dash and broke the state record in her senior year. She also placed second in the 200m and third place in the 400m. Roessner still holds the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 4x100m records at her high school.

Brian Thill, assistant track and field coach and recruiting coordinator, said Roessner’s first-place 7.38 second 60-m performance at G-MAC Indoor Championships was her best all season.

“Her title in the 60m is most impressive due to the strength of the event in our conference,” Thill said. “The G-MAC had four of the top 12 performers in the country, and the slimmest margin of error as the shortest open race. Being able to rise to the challenge in that environment as a freshman displayed she has everything you can ask for in an athlete and competitor.”

Because both of Roessner’s parents were college athletes, running has always been a major component of their family, she said. 

“In middle school, I was okay, and then I went to high school and my freshman and sophomore year, I definitely knew I had potential and more to get at,” Roessner said.

But Roessner did not start making strides in her athletic career until she joined an indoor track club in Dayton her junior year, she said.

“I would drive an hour and a half to practice twice a week,” Roessner said. “It was a huge commitment, but it made a world of difference. I would definitely not be where I am without that club.”

According to Roessner, this indoor track club changed her performance, pushing her and resulting in a big break her junior year. Roessner’s club coach, Ty Waters, who prepares his athletes for college by conducting college track in high school, does it for free and out of the goodness of his heart, Roessner said.

“He would have us dead on the ground after every rep and it was definitely very challenging, but that is what you have to do if you are really truly serious about the sport,” Roessner said. “It was very challenging, but you would always leave practice feeling super accomplished because you had a super hard workout, and no matter how bad it sucked in the moment, it was always good because you knew it was going to help you in the meets.”

Francesa Federici, a senior on the track and field team who has been running track for the past six years, attests to Roessner’s natural talent and dedication. 

“She gets out so fast,” Federici said. “I think that’s a good reflection of her attention to detail. Even coming in as a freshman she had so much technical skill and has even given me some pointers.”

Roessner’s success continues at Hillsdale College, where she has developed close friendships with her teammates. With similar personalities and general positive attitudes, it feels like the teammates genuinely want the best for each other, Roessner said.

“It’s very friendly competition, and that’s the way it should be. So, I really do appreciate that here,” Roessner said.

Freshman Adella Schmoll, Roessner’s Hillsdale roommate, said Roessner is incredibly talented and motivated—the most gifted teammate she has ever had.

“She works very hard on the track but also in all the little cumulative things that make a difference, like by prioritizing good sleep, managing stress, and using her time efficiently,”

Schmoll said.

Given the mental challenge involved in the sport, Roessner said Thill is an excellent coach who understands and can guide through it. Roessner said she looks forward to what lies in her future at Hillsdale College, excited to grow with her freshmen class, hoping to make outdoor nationals and win the All-American award—an elite designation award granted to top performers at NCAA indoor and outdoor championships.

Attitude, dedication, coachability and physical ability will allow Roessner to climb to new levels, according to Thill. He believes that Roessner is capable of being a major player for the outdoor season.

“With how much she’s already grown, I’m excited to see her continue her development and realize her full potential. She’s off to a huge start in building a lasting legacy as a Charger,” Thill said.