Thomas Jefferson’s Sarah Mueller develops into dominant distance runner

By Don Lowe

Ironically, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Lady Cavaliers senior cross country and track star Sarah Mueller started running to help her improve in another sport, and she says, “It was simply to help me get in better shape for basketball.”

As Mueller has continued to run more and more over the past three years or so, she explains, “I enjoy the process of working hard and increasing my mileage week by week. I especially love seeing my hard work pay off.”

“Sarah stands out because she’s made slow and steady improvement all along the way,” says Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Cross Country and Track Head Coach Clayton Carnahan. “The trajectory of her success is phenomenal, and it’s amazing to see an athlete grow so much over that period.

“Sarah has incredible grit and determination. She is an all-around athlete and lives a life that honors lifelong fitness and growth. She’s also always had excellent performances in track, so it was great to see her grow as she leaned more into long distance.”

While Mueller delights in distance runs, she admits, “Cross country is a very difficult mental sport for me. It can be tough running on

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Cross Country Star Sarah Mueller Fast Facts

Age: 17

Grade: 12th

Parents: Cameron and Jeanne Mueller

Siblings: Hannah, Caitlin and Megan Mueller

Hometown: Joplin, Missouri

Favorite Subject in School: History

Favorite Food: Anything from Chick Fil A

Favorite Cross Country

Professional Runner: Nike middle-distance runner and former Oklahoma State University track star Sinclaire Johnson

Favorite Track Sports Movie: McFarland USA

Accolades: Qualified for state all three years in cross country days when you don’t feel like it. And it is especially hard running by yourself.”

Despite the difficulties competing in a sport that can be demanding and grueling, Mueller remains focused, and she says, “I have seen progress in my running because I’ve been gradually increasing my mileage and intensity in workouts. I’ve also been doing a lot of injury prevention exercises to help me avoid any setbacks.”

“Sarah has a great natural talent, but she is always working to improve,” Coach Carnahan says. “Her determination is an evident factor in her success.

“I would also commend Sarah for her character. She often goes above and beyond in practice and works two-a-day practices into her already busy schedule.”

Although Mueller could pursue an opportunity to showcase her running talents at the collegiate level, she says, “I’m probably not going to compete in any sport in college. However, I will most likely run for fun on my own.”

Coach Carnahan knows Mueller is destined for good things no matter what path she ultimately goes down and says, “I am very grateful to have coached Sarah all this time and proud of the young woman she has become.

“Sarah is an active member of the school, and her success in so many different avenues is amazing.”