Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph is starting a cross country program beginning next season and now coach Marc Bierbaum has his women’s number-one runner.
Allen Community College sophomore Kaitlyn Shoemaker has committed to the brand-new program after finishing ninth at the NJCAA National Championships this season.
“At first, I was skeptical, because it is a first-year program,” Shoemaker said. “But after I got to know the coach, I knew that it was going to be OK, and being a junior I will be one of the front-runners and people to build the program. Coach Bierbaum was very honest with me and told me that he is going to need a front-runner and leader with experience on the women’s side.”
Shoemaker’s comfort level with the new coaching was a major reason behind her decision.
“I chose Missouri Western because right off the bat, I got the same feelings and vibes that I got when I met coach (Vince) DeGrado here,” Shoemaker said. “Coach DeGrado is a coach that I will never forget. Everything about Coach DeGrado is perfect and that is what I looked for in my next coach. Coach Bierbaum fit all of that criteria.”
The Red Devil cross country record-holder is very grateful to the opportunity that DeGrado and Allen offered her.
“Words can not describe how grateful and thankful I am for what I have accomplished here at Allen,” Shoemaker said.
