For some athletes, the journey into collegiate sports is fueled by competition. For Susan Bergeman, it's something much deeper. For Bergeman, the path to cross-country and track started with family, purpose, and a drive to make a  real difference.

That foundation has carried over into Bergeman's college career, where she's quickly embraced both the demands and rewards of being a Division III athlete.

"I first took running seriously in middle school, around sixth grade. I had been running since I was nine, just little community races, but that's when I really started to focus on it. In high school I became more competitive and wanted to perform at my best. I never really thought I would run in college until my junior year when Coach Darren Schneider reached out, and that's when I realized it was possible. I've always loved running, so I wanted to keep going with it."

Her introduction to the sport, however, came from something far more meaningful than competition. Running became a way to connect with her family, especially her brother.

"My older brother is in a wheelchair, and I wanted to do something with him. So in middle school and high school, I ran cross-country while pushing him. That's really what got me into it. I also ran track on my own, and that just kept building my love for competing."

That experience shaped not only her athletic career but also her perspective. Competing alongside her brother wasn't just unique, it was groundbreaking.

"My brother and I were the first duo team to do middle school and high school cross-country in Wisconsin and likely surrounding states. It meant everything to me. There were a lot of challenges just trying to be included, but it was empowering to feel like we were making a difference. It showed that you can push past people telling you no and create opportunities for others."

That mindset carried into her recruiting process, where she drew attention from programs across multiple levels. While many schools showed interest, her decision ultimately came down to fit.

"I was recruited by a wide range of schools, mostly for track since that's what I did individually. My top choices came down to here [Saint Mary's] and Viterbo. What stood out about Saint Mary's was the coaching staff and the environment. Coach Schneider was always checking in, and when I visited, it just felt like home. The team was welcoming right away, even when I was still years out from enrolling."

Her decision to compete at the Division III level was intentional, shaped by both opportunity and personal growth.

"One thing Coach Schneider said that stuck with me was, do you want to be a big fish in a little pond or a little fish in a big pond. At a DIII school, I have the chance to be competitive and make an impact. I also like that there's less external pressure. I put enough pressure on myself, so having a coach who helps me stay grounded makes a big difference."

That doesn't mean the commitment is any less demanding. In fact, one of the biggest misconceptions she's encountered is just how much time and effort DIII running requires.

"We train every day, seven days a week, and race almost every weekend. Some practices go over three hours, and we have to stay on top of recovery too. It's not just running and being done, it's a full lifestyle. I live, eat, sleep, school, and run."

Adjusting to that level brought its own challenges, especially with the jump in mileage and balancing academics.

"In high school I ran about 30 miles a week, and now it's closer to 50. That was a big adjustment at first. Balancing school and everything else was tough early on, but once I found a routine, it got a lot easier. Now I feel like I manage my time better than I ever have."

Through it all, her teammates have been the constant that's made the transition not only manageable, but enjoyable.

"My teammates have been huge for me. One of my best friends on the team, Addison Burckhardt, and I go through everything together since we have the same schedule. And Mya has helped me a lot mentally, especially on race days. If I start getting in my head, she'll pull me aside and talk me through it. That support means everything."

That support system has helped create a tight-knit team culture, something she immediately noticed as a freshman.

"We're a small team, so we got close really fast. It's definitely like a family. The older girls look out for us, and there's that sibling dynamic where everyone keeps each other accountable but still has fun. It made the transition to college so much easier."

Looking ahead, her goals are both personal and team-driven, focused on growth and continued success.

"For cross-country, I want to stay healthy for a full season and place top 30 at conference, and also place at regionals. For track, our 4x8 group is chasing the school record, so that's a big goal. Overall, I just want to see how much faster I can get and keep improving."

But beyond times and placements, her vision for the future is rooted in impact, much like how her journey began.

"I want to be a leader and show others what being a DIII athlete is really like. A lot of people are intimidated by college sports, but I want to show that you can do it. No matter what challenges you face, it's worth it. I want to be someone who helps others believe that and lean on their team the way I have."