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Aiden Deffner, Track/XC, Johns Hopkins University
by CAROLINE CLACK
Senior Aiden Deffner committed to run Division III cross country and track at Johns Hopkins University in October 2022. Deffner began running his freshman year at Menlo and has loved it ever since. “I love how rewarding it feels when I break my personal records after a long season of hard work,” Deffner said.
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Varsity coach Jorge Chen was thrilled about Deffner’s commitment and was quick to praise him. “I enjoyed having Aiden on this team because he is not only an amazing athlete but a big-hearted human being,” Chen said. The Positive Coaching Alliance also acknowledged this when they gave Deffner the Triple-Impact Competitor Award for the West Region last August. “[Deffner is] a phenomenal leader who showed that even if you’re on JV your frosh year, you can go up to varsity, be a leader and run in college through resilience and hard work.”
Unlike most committed athletes, Deffner wasn’t set on running in college, despite his love of the sport. It was only after a visit to Johns Hopkins University, where he spent the weekend with the team, that he decided running collegiately was the path for him. “I loved spending time with the team and felt really comfortable,” Deffner said.
Deffner sought a well-rounded school that would offer him opportunities academically and fuel his passion for running. Johns Hopkins fulfilled both of his requirements. Additionally, Deffner liked Johns Hopkins’ commitment to a positive environment and community for students.
Deffner’s teammates have enjoyed his easy-to-talk-to personality and positive attitude. “Out of everyone on the team, Aiden is the one who isn't afraid to speak up and say something whether it's serious or funny,” sophomore Will Hauser said. Sophomore Landon Pretre concurred. “He's always there as someone to talk to, he's always making everyone laugh, and he's like a second big brother to me.”
After four years at Menlo, Deffner is excited to challenge his coastal California background and immerse himself in the colder Maryland climate. “I’m not sure how well I’ll adjust to it because it gets pretty cold in the winter,” Deffner said.
