Sarah Laine entered her box and prepared herself for what lay ahead. Although nobody knew it, she was nervous, anxious. She stood quietly, focused on her goal to win. As she kneeled down to take her stance, a quick prayer was said, like always.
The cheering of fans and clamor of sounds surrounded the stadium but she only heard one voice, the voice of her number one fan as he stood there, binoculars in one hand and a timer in the other, yelling words of encouragement to his daughter. The gun fired and nerves immediately ceased.
Laine, a senior track star from Rancho San Diego, is nothing short of dedicated. Beginning her sophomore year in high school, Laine contacted Head Coach Jerry Arvin in hopes of attending PLNU and running track. Less than a year later, she signed to compete for Point Loma.
“I wanted to come here (PLNU) because it's close to home, a great Christian environment and their really well known for their nursing program,” said Laine.
Although Laine had several other offers to schools including Azusa Pacific, Westmont, San Francisco State and various junior colleges, she had her heart set on Loma.
“I never really considered or looked into it or talked with any of the coaches,” said Laine. “I was so sold on Point Loma that I was like 'that's a letter I won't even read.'”
However, Laine's senior year in high school took a turn for the worst when she tore her ACL and meniscus during a basketball scrimmage.
“That day they had just redone the floors so it was sticky. I ran up in front and my knee pivoted funny and it just snapped,” said Laine.
Her dreams to compete at a collegiate level and the remainder of her athletic career were a few of the thoughts that lingered in Laine's mind upon injury.
“My first concern right when I tore it was I need to call Coach Arvin,” said Laine. “I was really concerned I wasn't going to be able to run,”
After undergoing surgery and enduring a yearlong recovery period, Laine's future began to brighten when she was cleared to compete in her first semester at Point Loma.
“Coach Arvin held true to his word,” remembers Laine. He still kept me on (the team). It's been such a blessing in my life, and I really thank Coach Arvin for allowing me and having faith in me to get better.
Her next four years at Point Loma would highlight her talents and capabilities as an athlete. Laine has been named a 5 time NAIA All American and currently holds the record for the 200 meter and 400 meter dash finishing with a time of 24.41 seconds and 54.47 seconds.
“I would expect her to be the most decorated NAIA All American this school has seen,” said Arvin. “Sarah has far exceeded anything I thought was possible.”
Teammate Tori Anderson said via email, “Sarah is a hardworking, competitive and a focused runner, but she is also a really sweet and caring person.”
Laine, Anderson and 4x4 teammate, Jordan Turner hold the PLNU record in both the 4x100 relay and 4x4 relay finishing with 47.25 and 3:45:82.
Having poured hours into working out, Laine's goal of breaking school records and even her own records on occasion has been achieved.
“I am very proud of what I have accomplished here,” she said. “I am just so thankful. This whole injury and process of getting back into everything, it's just made me realize what I took for granted before. I've grown as a person.”
Coach Arvin is also thrilled with Laine's achievements and impressed with her approach.
“She's probably the best running athlete I have ever seen,” stated Arvin. “She works hard on the track to be the best athlete she can be and to be the best athlete around. Her work ethic has made other athletes work harder.”
Laine's passion for track and her humility towards her accomplishments are reflected in the love that she has for each teammate she competes with.
“Everybody is super nice and supportive of everyone and that's what I love about track, especially my 4x4 team,” said Laine.”
Although her eligibility expires this year, Laine's nursing major will keep her around for at least another year. As far as the future, Laine hopes to practice nursing and eventually become a midwife. With a smile on her face, Laine's attitude and outlook on life couldn't be more positive.
“We'll see what plans God has in store,” said Laine.
