Running the Long Game: Elizabeth Pickett
Alex Kunze
10/3/2024
Elizabeth Pickett never dreamed of being a track star, but despite her own doubts, Pickett has blossomed into a long-distance state champion and a cross country athlete at the University of Texas. Elizabeth began following her father’s footsteps in seventh grade when she joined the track team, but unlike her dad who ran speed events at South Carolina State, she quickly realized that sprinting was not for her and decided to pursue distance running instead.
When COVID-19 rocked the world in 2020, Pickett’s newfound love for distance running allowed her to persevere during the pandemic, and she used the excess time in her schedule to her advantage. “It was a time where no one was really motivated,” said Pickett, “So I saw this as an opportunity to train, improve my time, and become the best athlete I could be.” All of her hard work during the global shutdown culminated into back-to-back first place finishes in the 3200m at the state meet during her junior and senior year at Bel Air High School in Bel Air, Maryland.
The two-time state champion never thought she would run for a big university like Texas. Pickett described, “I was intimidated by the big D1 schools, but after having success at the state meets, I started to think I had a good shot.” When it was time for Pickett to visit Austin, she immediately felt at home. “Everything from the environment, the team, the atmosphere, and all the student-athletes just made me feel like I belonged.”
What really captured her was the elite resources provide to student-athletes. “I was mesmerized by the TANC (Texas Athletics Nutrition Center), the fifth-floor study hall, and all of the facilities that student-athletes have access to. UT immediately became my dream school.”
Moving to Austin was not daunting for Pickett considering she was raised in a military family and had lived in several US states before settling in Maryland. This lifestyle taught Pickett resiliency and gave her the confidence to overcome change. When talking about finding positives despite tough situations Pickett said, “You have to sit back and realize that these problems are shaping you into a stronger person.”
Since arriving on campus Pickett has gained trust with the coaching staff through developing authentic relationships, and she has high regards for all of her coaches. “Coach Smith [Assistant Coach for Women’s Cross Country/Distance] is a phenomenal leader and being coached by her is such a privilege.” When talking about Texas Track & Field Head Coach and two-time Olympian, Edrick Floreal, Pickett showed high praise by saying, “He’s my motivator. He has so much experience, and I just pray to get half the wisdom that he has. Coach Floreal is someone that you have to look up to.”
One big thing that Pickett is looking forward to is making the move to a different conference. “In our move to the SEC we have to be able to adapt because it's going to be more competitive, but I'm ready for it. I know myself and the strong person that I am.” Pickett credits her ability to remain headstrong during the transition to her teammates, and explained, “There's a lot of pressure as a Texas Athlete going into the SEC, but knowing you have a whole army in your teammates backing you up is an incredible feeling.”
Knowing you have a whole army in your teammates backing you up is an incredible feeling.Elizabeth Pickett
Something else that Pickett doesn’t take for granted is the world-class experience she receives as a student-athlete at The University of Texas. “My experience wouldn’t have been made possible without the Longhorn Foundation donors we have here at UT.” The elite performance facilities coupled with paramount educational and nutritional resources have played a significant role in her development. With access to these exceptional amenities, Pickett described being even more motivated to train harder. “Being here doesn’t make you want to kick back and relax. It makes you want to be the best athlete you can be.”
Not only are these resources preparing Pickett to being a successful athlete, but they are also preparing her for life after graduation. “I’m the type of person who likes to plan for the future, so I think it’s really cool that Texas Athletics offers job fairs, mock interviews, and even dining etiquette classes to help student-athletes prepare for life beyond sports.”
Pickett attributes Longhorn Foundation donors for playing a huge role in her continued success. “I probably wouldn’t be half the athlete I am right now if it wasn’t for the Longhorn Foundation. Everything the donors do to pour into us as student-athletes is not taken lightly.” Pickett would continue by saying, “Thank you [Longhorn Foundation donors] for everything you’ve done for us. It really is a blessing and I am so thankful.”
From a journey that began with uncertainty to becoming a standout college athlete, Elizabeth Pickett has made a name for herself at The University of Texas. Through all of the unexpected twists and turns along the way, they all led Pickett to the Forty Acres – and she could not be more grateful.
