What leaving Casa Grande, Arizona Meant to Brynna McQuillen
Brynna McQuillen graduated from Vista Grande High School in 2020. While in high school, McQuillen found her love for Cross Country as well as, Track and Field. McQuillen is currently a student athlete at the University of Nebraska.
McQuillen stated, “Throughout my childhood, I grew up trying a multitude of sports including dance, gymnastics, and even tennis. There was one that caught my eye that would eventually lead to life altering events. Running was an easy sport to love as it was so individualize and so simple. In high school, I learned about the beauty of a team and how special it is to share a love and commitment to a sport that is so misunderstood.”
In her interview, McQuillen expressed how Casa Grande is not well known for birthing collegiate athletes. However, she is very proud that she gets to change that narrative. "As my career took off my junior year, I was able to compete the state level with my teammates. It was an incredible experience to be able to represent our small town at a greater level and to be one of the few sports to do it. I loved the success of being a competitive runner at the state level, but I wanted something a little more.
McQuillen then went on to explain how she learned about college running by the end of her junior year. She yearned to not just get out of her hometown of Casa Grande but, the state of Arizona. As she stated before, Casa Grande isn't known for having many collegiate athletes. But with the help of her Cross Country Coach, Cristina Salcido-Grigg, that all changed.
"The Division 1 Level was my goal...I worked with my high school coach and was recruited by Baylor,
K-State, and the University of Nebraska. I got the privilege to visit these other states simply for my athletic abilities and it was one of the most surreal feelings. I committed to Nebraska my senior year and have never looked back."
Brynna McQuillen has been one of the few collegiate athletes to come out of Casa Grande, Arizona. Not once did she let being from a small town discourage her; she made it her goal and reasoning to get out.