When head coach Ryan Hughes first recruited incoming freshman Catherine Dougherty to try out for the women's cross country team in the summer of 2012, the most surprised person proved to be -- you guessed it -- Catherine Dougherty!
The former Gloucester Catholic High School athlete had experienced limited success as a scholastic runner for the Lady Rams, and did not plan on extending her career to the college level.
But that was about to change -- and change it did in dramatic fashion!
"We felt Catherine had untapped potential, so we hoped she would give the team a chance," said Coach Hughes. "We're glad she came on board!"
Few could have forecast the amazing success Catherine enjoyed as a member of Roadrunner Athletics. She led the team to NJCAA National Championships in cross country and track and field, including consecutive All-American honors in cross country in 2012 and 2013. She later carried over her success to Rowan University's track and field program while graduating RU in 2017.
"I was surprised at my success," Catherine said recently. "I actually was hoping I wouldn't get cut from the GCC team. Truthfully, I enrolled at the college just to give myself something to do and meet some people.
"But once the coaches gave me some regimented training routines, my times dropped quickly -- and I was all in!"
Catherine, now employed as a software developer for health care firm WellSky in Wall Township, NJ, was recently selected as Roadrunner Women's Cross County Runner of the Decade and was a member of the Women's XC 2012 Team of the Decade. She recalls the strong bond and chemistry she and her teammates enjoyed throughout their two-year tenure under Coaches Hughes and Angela Dunn. Her teammates included: Rejeena Whittington, Nieemah Powers, Aimee Abbott, Lyndsey Fraser, Emily Vendetta, and Isabelle Clermeus.
"I'll remember that team forever!" said Catherine. "And I know everyone on that team feels the same way I do. What a great experience!"
Click Here to read about Catherine Dougherty's recent Selection as Women's XC Runner of the Decade
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Catherine Dougherty
Education: Gloucester County College, 2014, Associate's Degree, Arts and Sciences; Rowan University, 2017, BA Computer Sciences; Gloucester Catholic High School, 2012.
Cross Country and Track Career: At GCC, ran cross country and track; named First (2013) and Second (2012) Team All-American in cross country; won NJCAA championships in the 1500 and 5000 meters; holds school record in the 800, 1500 and 5000 meters and the 3000 meter steeplechase; helped Roadrunner teams win NJCAA national titles in women's cross country (2012) and women's track and field (2013). Also ran indoor and outdoor track and field as well as cross country at Rowan University from 2014 through 2017 (see link below).
Honors: Selected as Roadrunner Women's Runner of the Decade for 2010-19; GCC All-American in Cross Country 2012 and 2013.
Catherine Dougherty on GCC Athletics career: "Winning a national championship as a team and my relationships with my teammates has been the greatest experience of my life. Our team members really enjoyed our time at Gloucester County College and we've remained life-long friends. We're extremely proud of our accomplishments."
Click Here to read more about Catherine Dougherty at Rowan University