Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) student-athlete Laynee Hollech, a standout on the women’s cross-country team, is making waves this season, recently becoming the first female athlete from PVCC to be named M-F Athletic National Athlete of the Week in Cross Country.
The recognition came as both a surprise and motivator for Hollech, who said, “It just makes me want to work harder. It’s nice to be recognized, but I think I can always improve.”
A graduate of Liberty High School in Peoria, Arizona, Hollech has been running competitively since middle school, naming the 5k as her favorite race. Hollech, who prefers long distance running, recently placed 68th out of 269 runners at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas, competing against many four-year university student athletes. “I can’t say enough about Laynee,” said Coach David Barney,” She’s a great runner, but she’s an even better person; she’s a great student, she’s been a fantastic leader for us all year, both on and off the course, and going into Arkansas- our biggest meet of the year- she had a cold all week, but she never complained, just went out and took care of the business.”
“It was a fun race and exciting to run among such talented people,” Hollech said. “I’m lucky to have such amazing teammates that pushed me throughout the race. I don’t think I would have placed as high as I did without them.”
Hollech credits much of her success to her team and Coach David Barney, who she describes as both a mentor and motivator. “Coach Barney has made me into the runner I am today,” she said. “He’s taught me to look at running in a completely different way and to believe in myself. He believes in his athletes and helps us realize that we all have a purpose, that we should dream big and live as if anything is possible.”
Her experience at PVCC has been one of growth, teamwork, and inspiration.
“The environment Coach Barney has created is like a family,” she reflected. “Looking back, it’s truly amazing how close I’ve gotten with my teammates, coach, and alumni in such a short amount of time. I wouldn’t trade my experience here for anything; it’s a special team and environment focused on goals and striving to better yourself in both running and in life.”
Currently taking general classes at PVCC and exploring her future, Hollech says that no matter what her future holds, it is sure to involve helping others, possibly through education, medicine, or coaching. And while she’s unsure where she’ll go next, her goals are clear: to continue her education and to keep running, ideally at the NCAA level.
To learn more about PVCC’s athletic program, visit the website.