What does it take to become an NCAA champion in not one event, but three? It takes dedication, focus and confidence. For most athletes, the dream of standing on the podium is just that — a dream. But for Aurielle Brunner, it’s a reality she has built through relentless hard work and an unshakabl e belief in herself. Meet Brunner, Chatham University’s first track and field All-American and NCAA champion. A standout athlete from Altoona, Pa., Brunner has competed in track, basketball and soccer — all while balancing life as a senior biology major. When it comes to athletics, she is truly in a class of her own.Brunner initially committed to Chatham University for basketball — after three years on the women’s basketball team, she won Defensive Player of the Year and helped win a conference championship — but as her senior year of college approached, she made the tough decision to step away from the court and fully dedicate herself to track. Her athleticism and competitive spirit couldn’t keep her pinned down for long, though. This past fall she joined the soccer team as well.In high school, Brunner played soccer and wanted to play in college but couldn’t make the schedule work because she’d miss the basketball preseason. Without another basketball preseason on the horizon, she felt it was a good opportunity to pursue soccer in this senior year of college. Aurielle Brunner competes in the long jump at an outdoor track and field meet. Photo by Jeanine Leech. “I emailed the coach and asked if there was a spot and there was! It was a great decision and I’m so glad that I joined the soccer team and made great friends along the way,” Brunner says. Her reputation as an athlete speaks for itself at Chatham — she has succeeded at every sport she has participated in. While she thrived in multiple arenas, Brunner knew the track is where she wanted to make her statement.Some of Brunner’s accolades include 2024 Outdoor Track and Field Second team All-American in long jump. She holds 10 individual and three relay records in both indoor and outdoor. She was named Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Most Outstanding Field Performer along with multiple MVPs in field events throughout the years. She finished out her 2024 indoor season breaking the conference record in long and triple jump. She took third in the nation in long jump, second place in the high jump and 200M dash and first place in the 60M hurdles.On March 14, Aurielle Brunner was the national runner-up in the long jump at the NCAA DIII Indoor Track & Field Championships. Her jump of 5.97 meters earned her a sixth career All-American honor.Since last season, Brunner has been on a mission to continue her winning tradition. She wants to become a champion in every event she competes in. “My focus has changed a lot. Being an All-American in all the events that I’ve competed in, I really have a chance to go and win them all this season. I’m really excited and I’ve been putting in the work and I’m ready to show what I’ve been doing all season,” says Brunner.   This year’s regular season ends April 16 at a meet at Grove City College. PAC Championships are May 1-2 at Mylan Park in Morgantown, W.Va. Sitting as an five-time All-American in both triple and long jump as well as the heptathlon (a track-and-field contest with seven events), Brunner has a can-do attitude and keeps a balanced life between sports and her personal life, which makes winning championships look easy. Aurielle Brunner walks through campus at Chatham University. Photo courtesy of Lilly Kubitz and Chatham University. So what’s next for Brunner?“After college, I do want to get a job and maybe see where sports takes me,” says Brunner. With a degree in human biology, she hopes to become a physician assistant. She stays active in her everyday life outside of sports, too.  “I love being outside as much as I can,” she says. All of her hobbies involve her moving her body. Outside of her main sports, she loves playing pickleball or spikeball.Giving back to the community and helping others stay active is one of the main reasons Brunner has enjoyed her time in the city. “I love Pittsburgh! I’m so glad I chose a school in the city. The amount of opportunities it’s brought me has been amazing,” says Brunner.Chatham University track and field at the Carnegie Mellon University mini-meet in Oakland, Thursday, April 13, 2023. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Droke. Brunner has a deep-rooted connection to the city and its local businesses. She holds a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) endorsement deal with P3R, an organization dedicated to supporting Pittsburgh’s sporting events, including the Pittsburgh Marathon and various races. Recently, P3R highlighted her achievements in honor of Women’s History Month. Through this partnership, Brunner continues to inspire others to prioritize an active lifestyle.In the summertime, she also participates in a summer basketball league or goes back to her high school to help with the soccer team at home in Altoona. Brunner’s experiences in the city have not only allowed her to become a better athlete, but also helped her to create a lasting impact on those who got her to Chatham. Brunner with former Chatham Track & Field Head Coach Eden Bloom. Photo courtesy of Brunner. Brunner’s go-getting spirit helps her succeed and encourages those around her as well. “Athletes like Aurielle are the reason why I got into coaching,” says Jake Dindak, track coach at Chatham University. “What makes her truly exceptional is her mentality and work ethic paired with talent. It’s a coach’s dream to have an athlete care as much as you do; that’s Aurielle. It’s been such an incredible privilege coaching her throughout her career at Chatham. She undoubtedly deserves all the past and future successes in this sport.” As she steps into the next chapter of her life, Brunner is focused on putting her best foot forward and doing what brings her joy — just as she has throughout her time at Chatham. Sports will always be part of her story, and who knows? One day, we may see Ms. Brunner competing on the Olympic stage in the heptathlon, following in the footsteps of her role model, Olympic champion Anna Hall.For now, all eyes are on Aurielle Brunner as she fights to the finish at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships in Geneva, Ohio, on May 22-25.Donni Rae Blackwell’s work is funded by the Press Forward Fellowship. Do you have a story about athletics, arts and culture, education? Email Donni at Donnirae1@gmail.com.The post It’s always about what’s next for Aurielle Brunner, Chatham University All American appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh. ...read more read less