Throughout the past three years, Rachael Webb has seen first-hand the benefits that physical therapy provides. It has helped the Hope College junior runner stay healthy and competitive as a member of both the women's cross country and track and field teams.
"Throughout college, I've had a number of different problems that have required me to go to physical therapists," said Webb, a Grandville High School graduate. "I was amazed at how effective therapy was in getting me back on the track and course and just how quickly it worked. I want to be able to offer that same help to other people."
On Saturday, the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champion Flying Dutch will compete in the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional they are hosting at West Ottawa Golf Club. The national qualifier has an 11 a.m. 6K race for the women and a noon 8K race for the men.
Click here for Great Lakes Regional page, including parking information.
Webb has plans to attend graduate school and enter into physical therapy. She became an exercise science major to serve as a path toward her goal.
"Exercise science lines up really well with classes in graduate school for physical therapy so it just makes sense," Webb said. "It's a really fun major and all of the professors are great. They all show a lot of passion for what they're teaching."
Webb, a two-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll, has embraced her major and has developed an enthusiastic approach to the workload.
While it may sound odd coming from a college student, Webb gets enjoyment from learning every aspect of the program.
"I enjoy studying and putting in the extra time," she said. "I don't mind taking the courses and being in class and that's when I knew I found the right fit for myself. All of the different professors just solidified the choice for me and I'm pretty confident that's what I want to do. I've shadowed different physical therapists in the area and they both seem to love their job. I want that."
Webb had her sights set on attending Hope from an early age. She first heard about the school from her mom's best friend, and when she wanted to stay close to home, Hope became one of her top choices.
While deciding between Hope and Grand Valley State, an encounter with cross country and track coach Mark Northuis proved to be a defining moment.
"I went to talk to him about track and I remember sitting on the couches at DeVos Fieldhouse," Webb recalled. "It was just how personable he was, and it instantly made me want to come to Hope. He's really great, and I wish all students would have the chance to get to know him. I'm blessed that he's not only my coach, but a professor in the kinesiology department."
Webb worked with Northuis on a summer research project. It was based around discovering the effects of downtime with middle distance runners and long distance runners between track season and cross country seasons.
"We took different groups and looked at changes in the recovery and retraining periods," Webb said. "We compared different variables and the research that came out of it was identifying other avenues for further research."
The faith opportunities Webb has encountered at Hope has helped to provide a spiritual balance between academics and running.
"Chapel and gathering are awesome," Webb said. "Having that planned into your day always helps. It's so easy to get busy and not make time for God. Knowing for that set amount of time every Monday, Wednesday and Friday that's where you are going to be and that's what you're doing is really great."
— Dean Holzwarth
