ROMEOVILLE, Ill. -- The rhythmic tap of shoes hitting the pavement still sounds the same in the early morning runs for Amanda Farrough. But this time, she isn't preparing for classes and life as a Flyer student-athlete. Instead, after her run, she laces up a different pair—her hospital shoes—as a full-time OR nurse in her hometown of South Bend, Indiana.

Farrough's journey from an elite runner to an accomplished healthcare professional is one that runs through Romeoville. A member of the Lewis University women's cross country and track and field programs from 2013 to 2017, she left an undeniable mark on the program. Over four years, she was a seven-time NCAA Division II All-American, earned 20 All-GLVC honors and in 2017 won the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championship in the 5,000-meter run.

A South Bend native, Farrough was sometimes called "The Pride of South Bend" for her outstanding achievements in high school that translated to her time as a Flyer. At Clay High School, she earned varsity letters in cross country, track and field and swimming. She was named First Team Northern Indiana Conference and MVP in cross country as a junior and senior. In track and field, she was a regional champion in the 1600 meters and earned First Team NIC honors for the 800 and 1600 meters. To this day, she holds Clay High School records in the 5K, 1600 meters and 3200 meters.

However, her path to Lewis University wasn't something she had planned.

"It was a bit of a fluke," Farrough recalls. "A friend's dad went to Lewis and told me I should consider it while in high school. He knew coach Kearney, who came out and saw me run a few times. He offered me a scholarship after a few conversations. I had a few other offers, but Lewis just felt right. Everything seemed to line up for me to become a Flyer."

The transition from high school to college athletics was a shock. "It was no joke," she admits. "There were no light and easy jogs around the neighborhoods. I was a bit shell-shocked, but I had great teammates who went through similar experiences. They helped me train and get to the level I wanted to be at collegiately."

Academics added another layer of challenge. "School was also a challenge—a good challenge," she said. "Adjusting to college academics while balancing training and competition was a whole new experience. But I wanted to be the best runner and the best student I could be, and it was the perfect challenge for me. Coach Kearney, my teammates and my roommates all helped make it possible. We clicked."

One of Farrough's fondest memories came during her freshman year of cross country. "We were at UW Parkside and kept being told we could get to Nationals. We believed it, but we didn't really believe it," she says with a laugh. "Then I remember somebody running down the hill after the event to tell us that we made it, and it all set in. What an amazing memory I will never forget."

Of course, winning a national championship was another defining moment. "It didn't feel real at first," Farrough admits. "It took some time—until I saw my parents, coaches, and teammates' reactions—then it all hit."

After college, Farrough took her drive and work ethic into the medical field. "I went to St. Vincent's in Indianapolis for a bit, did some COVID nursing in New York, transitioned back to Indiana, went to Hawai'i, and now I'm back in South Bend doing OR nursing," she said."

Looking back, she sees how being a student-athlete at Lewis shaped her success in adulthood.

"If you would have asked me during school if I thought being an athlete would prepare me for adulthood and my career, I would have said no," Farrough state. "Yet, it was the perfect preparation. I know how to balance my work and home life, handle daily stressors and navigate the highs and lows in the workplace."

Her philosophy on life and competition remains the same. "Life is not that serious. Things will work out if you can have fun, keep a level head, and strive to improve. When cross country was fun, life was fun—they go hand in hand for me."

As she prepares to be inducted into the Lewis Flyers Athletics Hall of Fame in March 2025 as part of the Class of 2025, Farrough reflects on the significance of the honor. "I am so thankful for my time at Lewis. It really could not have gone better. I still have a relationship with my coaches and teammates, and I would choose Lewis over and over again. Being named into the Hall of Fame is a humbling honor. I wouldn't be there without my coaches and teammates—it was the best experience."

For Farrough, the journey that began on the cross-country course has come full circle. Whether running in the early morning or working long hours in the operating room, the same focus and passion continue to guide her. And as she steps into the Hall of Fame, she does so not just as an elite athlete but as a believer in the lifelong impact of her Lewis Flyer experience.