Becky Wade Firth has been named as Ursuline Academy of Dallas’ Head Cross Country Coach. Courtesy Ursuline Academy of Dallas.
Former Running Bear Becky Wade Firth is running home to Ursuline Academy of Dallas.
The academy shared this week that Firth has been named as the newest Head Cross Country Coach at UA.
Firth graduated from UA as part of the class of 2007 and went on to run professionally for eight years, qualifying for Team USA in three out of four U.S. Olympic Trails. Before that, Firth graduated from Rice University, won a junior national track title and was an NCAA Division I All-American in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.
“It feels wonderfully full circle to be back at Ursuline in a coaching capacity,” Firth said. “I can’t wait to share my experiences and passion with the team and to grow just as much alongside them.”
Firth shared about her year living and training with runners around the world, as well as exploring different approaches to running in her book, Run the World: My 3,500-Mile Journey Through Running Cultures Around the Globe. She is also a contributor for publications like Runner’s World and Outside Magazine.
“We are so excited to have Becky lead our cross-country program,” Athletic Director Stefanie Hill said. “Not only is she an accomplished runner who has had an amazing career, but she is also someone who is passionate about coaching and using her wealth of knowledge on the topic to support and motivate our girls to reach their full potential.”
UA Cross Country currently holds 15 straight Varsity District Titles and 12 Junior Varsity District Titles, the academy shared. The team has also won five State Titles in the last eight years and 15 State Titles in its history.
“While we have big goals for this fall, it is also my aim to make running enjoyable and fulfilling enough to be a lifelong habit for as many of these young women as possible,” Firth said.
