With "Psalm 91" by Shane & Shane playing softly through her headphones, senior cross country star Bethany Mapes calms her nerves as she laces up her spikes and prepares to step into competition.

Known for her strategic pacing and as an aggressive racer, Mapes has built a legacy of excellence both on the course and in the classroom. She is a Regional Runner of the Year, Conference Runner of the year, All-Region recipient and multiple time All-Academic honoree. This fall, she made history as the first PacWest woman to win the West Regional since 2004, a milestone that cements her name not only in Biola Cross Country history but in PacWest history.

The Eagles' standout senior has built quite an accomplished career, especially for someone who disliked the sport when she first began running during her freshman year of high school. 

"Building of your grit and this hard work that you are developing in cross country is so applicable to just your character," said Mapes. "Running is so much greater than just these races and accomplishments."

Looking into colleges, she wanted to attend a Christian university and was set on Biola because of Coach Henning and the school's Christian community and faith-based education. 

"I got to really experience the fellowship, joy, and love that was brought on by the Holy Spirit moving across the campus," said Mapes 

Running an average of 52 miles a week, Mapes finds comfort listening to worship music to help her push through and frame her mind with gratitude during competition.

"This is an opportunity, this is a gift, and I don't want to take it for granted," said Mapes.

Balancing the seasons, semesters, schoolwork, and a personal life can be difficult. With cross country having a long season, the runners' bodies get tired and overworked.

"It can be really hard to show up some days; your body is just so tired," said Mapes. "It can be really difficult to have a positive attitude and give your everything on days when you're tired."

But Mapes always tries to find the light in difficult situations, as she considers tough moments character-building.

"Working through hard things, to show up when it is difficult, is so valuable in relationships and in everything in life," said Mapes. "It produces endurance, it produces character."

The lessons she's learned from cross country she can apply to any future struggles in her relationships and career.

College has been a formative experience for Mapes, especially at Biola, due to its Christ-centered focus and all the opportunities for spiritual growth.

"I would not trade my time at Biola for anything. The experience here has been so much more than just running. It's been so transformational," said Mapes. "Biola has been the most transformational thing up to this point in my life."