Strain has plans to run with the Thunderbirds
Adam Scott Collegiate track athlete commits to University of British Columbia after considering NCAA colleges
Molly Strain is ready to step out of her comfort zone.
The Grade 12 Adam Scott Collegiate running star will move 4,500 kilometres next fall to attend the University of British Columbia and compete for the Thunderbirds cross country and track teams.
It will be a big move for the 17-year-old to leave her parents, Dave and Debbie Strain, and brother Owen to move across the country.
“It was definitely a tough decision to go so far away from all my friends and family,” Strain said.
“I thought it might be the only opportunity I get to try something like that and I want to take a risk a little bit out of my comfort zone and try this new experience. I know I’ll meet new friends on the team and it’s something I’ll enjoy.”
Signing her letter of intent was a special moment.
“It’s something I’ve been working toward ever since I started running. One of my first goals was to run on a university team. To finally see it come together was really inspiring. I feel really proud of myself that all the work I’ve done has finally come together,” she said.
Strain was a coveted recruit after winning a 2019 OFSAA gold medal in the open girls 2,000-metre steeplechase. There were NCAA schools interested in Strain.
“When I was younger, I was really thinking about the States, but more recently I wanted to stay in Canada,” said Strain, who visited UBC last fall when competing at the Canadian cross country championships. “I wanted to have a chance to represent Canada more,” she said. “I was slightly considering the States before the pandemic but, as soon as that hit, I definitely felt that staying in Canada was going to be the better choice.”
Her visit to UBC solidified her choice. She also visited the University of Victoria while out west.
“It really felt like home to me. I felt like I really fit in and UBC was such a nice campus. It felt like it would be the best place for me to continue my academic and athletic career,” she said.
“I liked everything about it. It just looked like a nice place to live and new place to explore.”
There are several factors about UBC’s well-regarded track program that appealed to her.
“It’s really nice out in B.C. You can train all year round, which makes it a little easier for running, less snow. UBC also competes in the NAIA, so they do travel to the States to track and field events. Travelling to the States caught my eye a little bit. They compete in U Sports for cross country and then compete in the States for track.”
She hopes to run the steeplechase and 3,000 metres in track in addition to cross country.
Strain plans to study kinesiology to gain a greater understanding of body mechanics and how they relates to athletics. “I really look forward to working with athletes when I’m older, either coaching or managing. I just want to help other athletes when I’m older,” she said.
Strain said two coaches have been major influences on her running career. James Onusko was originally her soccer coach in the Peterborough City Soccer Association and he encouraged and helped her train for running when he noticed her potential.
She then joined the Peterborough Legion Track Club where head coach Richard Borek took over her training.
“James Onusko helped me in high school, especially in Grade 9 and 10, in deciding which universities I wanted to go to and helping me with my running and soccer,” she said.
“Richard Borek has helped me, especially on the athletic side, to get on the team and make sure I’m hitting times to help me get to UBC.”