Lansing Sun

Michigan State senior track and field student-athlete Shae Harbaugh has achieved significant success after starting as a walk-on during her freshman year.

Harbaugh, who previously focused on gymnastics, began running in high school. "I started running my freshman year of high school," Harbaugh said. "Track was the sport where there were no cuts and you could just join if you didn't have any experience, so I tried it out with my best friend and we both loved it and kept each other in it."

Hailing from Clarkston, Michigan, Harbaugh had always been interested in attending Michigan State University (MSU). "My dad played baseball here and he loved his experience, and I also knew all the athletic programs were great," she said.

Harbaugh is majoring in kinesiology. "I'm really interested in learning about the body and how it moves, with athletes preferably so I might do some athletic training. I want to help other people with their injuries because that's been a big challenge with my running career and it'll allow me to be there for people during those moments."

Initially a sprinter, Harbaugh transitioned to hurdling before focusing on distance events at MSU. "I originally was going to be a sprinter but then Coach [Lisa] Breznau called and said I should do some distance training since I was new to track. I didn't know what I was getting myself into because distance training is no joke, but I stuck with it and since then she's helped me transition into specializing in the 800-meter and I love it."

The 800-meter race has become Harbaugh's favorite event. MSU Assistant Coach Max Benoit noted her progress: "She went from never running an 800-meter before...to running under 2:10 which puts her near the top for time performances in the Big Ten." He added that her confidence has improved dramatically over time.

In February, Harbaugh and her teammates won first place in the distance medley relay at the Big Ten Indoor Track and Field Championships. Reflecting on this achievement, she said, "I knew I had to hold up my end for these girls...Afterwards, I was getting a bit emotional because it's such a special thing to be able to give it your all for each other."

Her mother Becky Harbaugh shared her excitement: "Shae held her own and did really well...As a parent it is nerve-racking, but I was just so excited for her to see how it would go."

Despite dealing with a left leg calf injury earlier this year, Harbaugh managed to compete successfully. She credits track for helping her grow mentally: "Track is a great way to push yourself to your limit because every race you run; you have to try as hard as you can to get to the line quickly."

Coach Benoit praised her determination: "To jump in at a Division I level at a Big Ten school in an event that you are unfamiliar with takes a lot of strength and trust as a person...To see that and how she's transpired over time says a lot about who she is as a person, athlete, and how she's going to approach the rest of her life after college."

Harbaugh acknowledges the supportive environment around her: "To have everyone around me be so driven and focused really helps...every person on the team is a good person to look up to."

In May, she scored points by finishing sixth at the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships and qualified for the NCAA East First Round with a personal best 800m time of 2:06.09.