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Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Zdanavage

While Zdanavage originally compiled a list of 30 schools she was interested in applying to, the University of Michigan was not part of that set; being provided the opportunity to visit the school and step foot on campus, however, showed Zdanavage a new perspective. “It was a whirlwind process, but I definitely think that it’s worked out for the best,” Zdanavage said. “The city of Ann Arbor was amazing. It’s a college town, and I've always wanted to live in a college town.”

Applying to college can feel like a marathon: the seemingly endless hours of meticulous preparation, the grueling ordeal itself, the giddy rush of adrenaline when it all comes together. Senior Jadyn Zdanavage, who recently committed to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor as a member of both their cross country and track teams, fully understands this feeling.

“UMich definitely just felt like home; the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that was where I belonged,” Zdanavage said. “But on top of that, it just checked all the boxes and had everything I was looking for. Being an athlete at UMich is a privilege, so that’s definitely motivating me for when I’m there.”

After joining the Mustang Milers running club at Woodbury Elementary, Zdanavage fell in love with the sport. She trained on a weekly basis until she became a member of Portola High’s cross country team her freshman year. 

Actively training as part of a team makes the sport feel like a comforting environment at school, according to Zdanavage.

“Being part of a team, you all work so hard with one another every single day; it just draws you so much closer to one another,” Zdnavage said. “With running, you kind of bond over the pain you’re experiencing, as silly as that sounds.”

During her time at Portola High, Zdanavage also joined the basketball and lacrosse teams, but continued to keep running as her favorite sport. Being a highly-decorated, school record-breaking, multisport athlete has helped Zdanavage’s running journey in a multitude of ways.

“Running can only work your muscles in a certain way, so playing basketball and doing a lot of short sprints definitely helps with my quickness and speed,” Zdanavage said. “All of the sports intertwine, and that’s really helped me a lot, being a part of so many great teams and meeting so many amazing friends.”

For Zdanavage, committing to the University of Michigan means the opportunity to pursue her passion for running while also signing up for her choice in major (a PPE – politics, philosophy and economics – major). From their reputable athletics teams to their passionate school spirit, UMich is only the beginning for Zdnavage’s athletic and academic journey.

“Just know that the place that will be your home is the place where you’re going to end up,” Zdanavage said. “I know it’s been quite the journey; if you had told me a year ago that I would be at Michigan, I would be very shocked, so just trust the process and have fun with it.”