HCHS’s Sonderman commits to UNI for running
Cyclone Senior Lindsey Sonderman has signed a Letter of Intent to run cross country and track at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls following graduation.
“I’m very excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Sonderman said. “When I went to the official visit there, I had a great time, so I’m excited that that’s what my next four years of school will look like.”
Sonderman had multiple choices for college in front of her and talked about what made her choose University of Northern Iowa, where she plans to major in Elementary Education.
“I love the team atmosphere there, along with another college, but this was closer to my family,” she said. “I’m super excited to run there and have the family atmosphere there.”
During her time with HCHS, Sonderman has been coached by Zach Klaassen for cross country and Jenny Hamilton for track and field.
“The hard work, all the miles she’s put in, hours up in the weight room have paid off,” Klaassen said. “She’s earned this right to run at the D1 level, and it’s pretty awesome to see that come through for her.”
Sonderman is coming off a cross country season where she went to the state meet as an individual, and also qualifying with her team. At the state meet in Fort Dodge, she finished fourth overall with a time of 18:29.3. Sonderman got the opportunity to be at the state meet all four years of high school, but has a few fond memories that stand out.
“For sure, all the practices with all the girls,” she said. “We find ways to make it fun, and then probably my favorite memory in high school was my freshman year when the girls team won the Hawkeye Ten. That was a really special moment, and I’ll remember it for a long time.”
With her senior season not quite concluded yet, Sonderman talked about what she hopes to get out of her final season of track and field.
“I need to focus in on what my goals are for the track season,” she added. “I’m planning on starting training soon to make those goals happen.”
Even though Sonderman’s high school cross country days are behind her at this point, Klaassen is excited for the next stage of her life and plans to stay in touch with her.
“It’s one of those deals where you like to see these kids grow up and take that next step into young adulthood, get through her cross country career, and see her grow as a young lady,” he said. “I look forward to catching up with her throughout the season next year to see how things are going. Maybe we can learn something as coaches, too, on how to change our program up a little bit whether that’s practice or race strategies. I’m going to lean on her for a little bit of knowledge as well. I look forward to it. I’m happy for her. A lot of smart people have graduated from the University of Northern Iowa.”