BOISE, Idaho — Three-time NCAA national steeplechase champion Allie Ostrander confirmed to KTVB that she will forgo her final year of collegiate eligibility at Boise State and turn pro, on Tuesday.
Ostrander initially indicated her intentions to compete professionally in an Instagram post on Monday.
Sports Director Jay Tust spoke with Ostrander shortly after her announcement.
On Wednesday, Ostrander announced she had signed with Brooks Running.
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ON DECISION TO TURN PRO:
"I talked to some of my teammates, and I talked to my parents and my sister, and some of my friends. I talked to other runners that have faced the same decision, and obviously, I talked to potential coaches and future teammates about it. In the end, I felt like this was best for my personal and athletic growth. It was what got me most excited about running."
ON COMPETING FOR BOISE STATE:
"It was incredible. I really enjoyed my time at Boise State. It's been the best four years of my life. I loved the relationships that I was able to form with my teammates, my coaches, and the athletic training staff. I'm going to miss everyone. It's nothing against Boise State that I'm leaving. It's just a decision for my running goals moving forward."
DID WINNING A THIRD NATIONAL TITLE INFLUENCE YOUR DECISION?
"That definitely made me feel more satisfied - leaving on a good note - and it made more options available for professional running. If I hadn't been satisfied with my performance at nationals, I likely would have stayed (at Boise State)."
HOW LONG HAVE YOU DREAMED OF THE MOMENT?
"Running professionally has definitely been a dream of mine ever since I started focusing on running. To be given this opportunity and to see the next portion of my life in front of me - filled with running and racing and chasing my potential - is really exciting.
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WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN I MENTION THE 2020 OLYMPICS?
"Obviously that's somewhere I'd like to be. I'd love to represent Team USA. But there are a ton of other incredibly talented athletes that are vying for the same chance. So when I think of the 2020 Olympics, I don't think of the actual Olympics, I think of the Olympics trials and what I'm going to have to do there to get to the Olympics."
