At just 18 years old, Ashlyn Jacobsen of Campbell has already established herself as a formidable competitor in both track and cross country. Her journey began at the age of eight during the Strawberry Chase 5K run in Ridgely, Maryland, where she donned her favorite blue tutu and clinched two awards: first in her age group and best dressed. “I had never won anything before. I was like, wow, this is something that I can win,” Jacobsen recalled, a sentiment that would set the stage for her future in athletics.
The Jacobsen family moved to Hawaii after Ashlyn’s eighth-grade year, and her passion for running flourished. “I really hadn’t thought about running in college until my sophomore year in track season,” she said. The shift from rural Maryland to Hawaii presented unique challenges, but Ashlyn quickly adapted, showing remarkable dedication and talent.
Rising Star in Cross Country and Track
Campbell cross country coach Mark Inay recognized Ashlyn’s potential from the start. “She was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,” he noted. Initially not the top runner, Jacobsen’s hard work paid off, leading her to become a two-time state champion in Hawaii. She began her senior year with a second-place finish at the state cross country championships, having previously placed seventh as a sophomore.
Inay attributes Jacobsen’s success to her maturity and commitment. “Her progress as a runner is just her maturity. If you look at her now from when she was a freshman, the running style, the maturity is there now,” he said. As co-captain alongside classmate Ian Eugenio, Jacobsen’s calm demeanor and competitive spirit make her a natural leader.
Her journey has not been without challenges. In her freshman year, she faced a setback when she was disqualified from the 1,500 meters for stepping off the track. Despite this, she bounced back to finish 17th in her first state 3,000-meter run. “I remember I was pretty upset. It was after I’d been already injured,” she reflected.
By the fall of 2023, Jacobsen achieved a personal best of 20:33 at the HHSAA cross country state meet, where she placed seventh. This performance came under unusual circumstances, as air quality issues from nearby fires affected the race day. “You could notice the smell on the back uphill stretch,” she said.
A Key Player in State Championships
The spring of 2024 marked a significant milestone for Jacobsen as she won her first state title in the 3,000 meters with a time of 10:39 at Mililani’s John Kauinana Stadium. “I remember starting that race with a vengeance. This is my race. I’ve been doing this the whole year,” she said. Competing against a deep field of talented underclassmen, Jacobsen’s determination shone through.
As she entered her junior year, Jacobsen continued to excel. She clocked an impressive 18:19 in her state championship race, finishing second to Moanalua freshman Sadie Krueger. Jacobsen faced health issues leading up to the event but managed to compete despite feeling unwell. “I felt confident going into it. I knew I would have to fight off Sadie,” she stated.
Her performance reflects not only her physical ability but also her mental resilience. After finishing her races, she sometimes found herself in a state of exhaustion. “I would’ve been on the ground, but the trainers said, ‘Stand up, stand up,’” she recalled.
Jacobsen’s achievements extend beyond athletics. With a GPA of 4.125, she has balanced her academic and athletic commitments effectively. Her passion for learning is evident in her favorite subject, AP Calculus, where she enjoys collaborating with classmates.
The upcoming graduation brings a mix of excitement and nostalgia. “I’ll probably miss having family with me. Moving here was an adjustment,” she said, reflecting on her time spent in Maryland with extended family. Yet, she remains focused on her future, contemplating her next steps in collegiate athletics.
Jacobsen’s family remains a significant source of support. Her mother, Danielle Jacobsen, has shared her own journey in athletics, having been a pole vaulter and relay runner in high school. “Ashlyn was the most wanted baby ever. It was 18 months we were trying to have her,” Danielle shared, highlighting the close bond they share.
As Ashlyn prepares for the next chapter, she is grateful for the connections she has made both in her hometown and in Hawaii. Her journey illustrates the power of perseverance and the impact of community support. “One thing is for sure, if she continues on the path she is on and continues unapologetically to be herself, she will go far and make waves in this world,” said her sixth-grade teacher, Savannah Pate.
With high aspirations and a strong support system, Ashlyn Jacobsen is poised to leave a lasting mark in the world of athletics. As graduation approaches, the future looks bright for this talented runner.
