Over the past three years, Uyen Ly has had a busier schedule than most other athletes at Catasauqua and across the greater Lehigh Valley.

During that time, Ly has played soccer and ran cross country during the fall. She admits, though, that soccer has remained the priority.

Yet, this fall, Ly plans to take an added interest in cross country. It has been a three-year journey that she believes can pay dividends this year.

“I started cross country during my freshman year of high school,” recalled Ly. “I always liked running so I wanted to give cross country a try since I was new and open to any opportunities that the high school provided.

“I didn’t take running as seriously as I do now when I was younger, but I’ve always been active growing up so I think that’s what made me get into running.”

Last year, Ly began to better appreciate her running.

“I felt most confident and comfortable about running starting from the summer training last year,” said Ly. “That was when I really wanted to focus on becoming a better runner. I knew I could start to lower my times and develop my running further.”

Lu has realized how the sport can be as challenging mentally as physically.

“Cross country is a very mentally challenging sport,” stressed Lu. “It was a major challenge for me that I had to overcome if I wanted better times, but it honestly made me a stronger individual once I looked past the mindset.

“I think trying to stay mentally focused was hard if not harder than training physically. While running, your mind tends to give up before your body does so trying to stay positive was a major challenge.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock has watched Lu evolve, and he expects her to be a consistent harrier this season. Lu hit a career-best 24:12 last season after she eclipsed a 25:05 mark.

“She really has been putting the work in,” beamed Rusnock. “Uyen is a multisport athlete. Over the years, she has been dedicated to her running in cross country and track.

“She has progressed greatly.”

Yet, Lu is ready to tackle the challenges ahead of playing two sports in the same season. When she isn’t running, Lu spends some of her free time baking and also dabbles in photography.

“Since I play both soccer and run cross country in the fall, I prioritize one over the other and it’s always been soccer,” noted Lu. “I do show up to all the xc practices and meets that I can attend, although the schedules conflict one another. But this season, I want to really balance out both because I want to give my best effort for the sports that I love.”

Rusnock sees a high ceiling ahead.

“Uyen has been one of our top runners since she began,” added Rusnock. “We’re excited to see her crush it this year.”