RACHAEL TAFT'S VICTORY

As Rachael Taft stretched, laced up her running flats and took her first warm-up lap as a VCU student-athlete, she may have not known what path to success she would take athletically, but it was clear where it would lead her professionally. Taft, a twelve-time letter winner and six-time Dean's List recipient, began not only an amazing athletic career when she stepped foot on campus, but proved to be one of the biggest winners in the classroom as well.

Upon her graduation from high school, Rachael, like the acclaimed Robert Frost poem, decided to take the infamous road less traveled. At a young 18-years old - a time when most of her peers are simply eager to merely explore their newfound freedom -- she applied to VCU to study physical therapy and was granted admission to pursue her doctorate degree. The very atypical incoming freshman had a plan and in just six short years saw it unfold.

From the beginning Rachael's path was paved with unwavering determination and self-discipline. As an incoming freshman, Taft's professors initially discouraged her from competing for the Rams' cross country and track & field teams. They were afraid that she would not be able to balance the rigorous physical therapy course load along with her demanding athletic schedule. But somehow, someway, Rachael made it work and she made it work remarkably well.

Despite missing the majority of team practices due her academic obligations, Taft made the time to work out on her own - always keeping pace with her teammates and competition. According to Rachael it was not easy - but it was the road she had chosen and she was more than willing to bypass the "normalcy" of college life. She even found time to volunteer in the community.

Taft is obviously not the normal student. She exudes an unparalleled motivation and unsurpassed work ethic that has helped shape her life. Rachael finished both her undergraduate and doctorate programs with a near perfect grade point average, while setting record breaking times in the 3k steeplechase - a record she still holds today.

Rachael - now Dr. Rachael Taft - made a life-altering decision to take the road less traveled by and it did make all the difference.