LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Emma Petersen is accustomed to doing things fast. After all, as a former collegiate athlete herself, zooming through courses and around tracks is in her blood.

But it's safe to say that Petersen had been in overdrive after being hired as the new Bellarmine University director of men's and women's cross country/track and field in August.

Thankfully, of late, she's been able to downshift a little bit ahead of Friday's National Catholic Championships, the annual cross country event hosted by Notre Dame which Bellarmine has frequently attended through the years.

"It's definitely been a whirlwind — new city, new university and a lot to learn in a short time. That said, things are starting to settle into a rhythm, and I'm really enjoying it," Petersen said. "One of the best parts has been getting to know the running community here in Louisville. I've met so many wonderful people — high school coaches, retired collegiate coaches and local runners — and there always seems to be a fun 'small world' connection to someone I already know. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, which has made the transition that much easier."

Petersen came to Bellarmine after spending seven seasons (2018-24) as the head men's and women's cross country coach at UC Davis in California. In addition to heading the two cross country programs, she oversaw the distance program for the women's indoor track and field team plus the outdoor track and field teams.

During the 2021 season, Petersen guided UC Davis' women's cross country team to the Big West Conference championship, marking the first team title for the program since 2014. For her efforts, she was named Big West Conference Coach of the Year. In addition to that championship, UC Davis registered three runner-up finishes at conference meets during her tenure.

As far as implementing her philosophies at Bellarmine, Petersen definitely favored a more slow-burn approach as opposed to "throw everything but the kitchen sink" at them.

"I've introduced some of my core principles right away, but I've also made it a priority to observe how things have been done here and meet the athletes where they are," she said. "It's been about finding a balance."

Bellarmine's women's squad is comprised of 10 members this year. The Knights finished in the upper tier of the conference last season, placing sixth of 12 at the ASUN Championship.

Sierra Oesterling made program history in 2024 by garnering its first-ever All-ASUN laurel after landing on the third team following a program-record 20th-place finish at the conference meet. The senior ranks fourth on the program's 5k performance list and eighth on its 6k performance list. She owns six of the program's top 50 5k times and three of the 6k times.

Bellarmine graduated several athletes who competed last season in the ASUN Championship, but senior Sarah Jacob, sophomore Ginger Atzinger, sophomore Shaianne Overall and redshirt senior Ellerie Heinzmann join Oesterling as returners who competed in the 2024 conference meet.

Senior Cassidy Gilbert, junior Molly Moore and sophomore Katie Schweigardt are also back while Bella Scott is a true freshman. Senior Jansen Story has joined the squad after running sprints and middle distance for track and field the last three seasons.

Bellarmine's men's squad is composed of 20 members this year. The Knights are coming off consecutive fourth-place finishes at the ASUN Championship and have landed in the upper tier of the conference in four straight seasons.

Alex Hooten finished second on Bellarmine and 26th overall at last season's ASUN Championship. The redshirt junior ranks sixth on the program's 8k performance list and 30th on the 10k performance list. Hooten owns three of the top 35 times in the 8k in program history.

As far as its 2024 ASUN Championship lineup, Bellarmine took a significant hit, largely from the graduation of a cornerstone class, so the Knights will revamp this season. Hooten, junior Chase Austin and sophomore Ben Hunter are returners who competed in last year's conference meet.

Senior Drew Belardo, juniors Jimmy Dillabaugh and Nate Wheatley, and sophomores Jack Ballard, Salah Farah, Forrest Gago, Sherjeel Khan and Malcolm Robertson are also back. A robust freshman class includes Ian Baker, Buzz Christensen, Jared Fairbanks, Landen Fernandez, Jack Moutardier, Dax Noe, Drew Ponatoski, William Stewart and Caleb Turner.

"I've been impressed with how eager the athletes are to grow and how quickly they've bought into the vision for where we want to go," Petersen said. "They've shown a lot of resilience and energy during this transition."

As with all new coaching hires, there's a great deal of behind-the-scenes work that goes on to get acclimated. The opportunity to get the season going in full force is the first finish line of sorts for Petersen.

"The administrative work has its place, but nothing compares to being out at practice and preparing to compete," Petersen said. "That's why we do this, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the group comes together this fall.

"One of the athletes who has really stood out is senior Alex Hooten — he's been training exceptionally well, and it will be exciting to see how that hard work translates into competition. On the women's side, Sierra Oesterling looks ready to build upon her breakthrough season from last year, and she's already showing she can be a great leader for the women's team. More broadly, I think we're going to surprise some people with the progress this group can make over the season.

"I feel really fortunate to be at Bellarmine during this exciting time for the program, and I can't wait to see what this team can accomplish."

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