Christine Babcock - Husky Cross Country and Track & Field

A recent UW graduate from Irvine, California, Christine Babcock is a three-time cross-country and track and field All-American who led the Huskies to the 2009 NCAA Cross Country Championship. Tyee Club supporters have made a profound impact on Babcock's career and she speaks about its importance below.

"When I think of the donors to the University of Washington, the word that instantly comes to mind is gratitude. Gratitude for the way in which you faithfully support this university. Gratitude for your belief in our school and our athletic program. Gratitude for the experiences that you are providing to the numerous student athletes here. Gratitude for the friendships that have been created through the teams we participate on. And gratitude for giving us the opportunity to represent such an amazing university, both athletically and academically."

"As I was first recruited to the University of Washington as a high school senior, what stuck out to me the most was the tradition and history behind our school. I am always impressed with the people I meet whose families have attended the university for generations. After coming here I hope that in the future, I too, can say that being a Husky runs in my family."

"At the end of my time here, the friendships that I have created through athletics will remain with me for the rest of my life. We share a spirit of competition both on the track and in the classroom. We try to beat each other in workouts, exam scores, homework assignments and even compete to see who does the reading first. My fellow student athletes challenge me to become a better person and I hope that at the end of our time together, they would say that I have done the same for them."

"In addition to the friendships I have made through athletics, the opportunities that you provide enable me to go to this university and have shaped the person that I am today. I have eaten my way through various states across the country, met people from throughout the world and had the opportunity to be involved in one of the best cross country programs in the nation. Each time I wear the Washington jersey, hear one of the Husky songs or walk onto the football field to do strides, an immense sense of pride instantly wells up inside of me. I feel privileged to attend this university and even more blessed to be able to represent it as an athlete."

"I want to thank each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me this truly unique opportunity and responsibility as a University of Washington student athlete, and I am sure that each student athlete at this university would say the same. To you, we will be forever indebted. Thank you!"

Click here to read Christine's bio.