KENNESAW, Ga -  From running in red Converse during middle school to competing on one of the biggest stages in collegiate track, Emma Sullivan has built her journey on one belief: if you truly put your mind to something, anything can happen.

Long before records, nationals, and championship races, Emma was just a seventh grader looking for a place to belong.

“I wanted to do a sport,” she said. “I didn’t think I was good enough for soccer, but I loved to run.”

She showed up in bright red Converse, which were not even real running shoes but she showed up with determination. Even then, she wanted to be the best.

Growing up in Massachusetts and attending Shepherd Hill Regional High School, Emma always loved running, but college athletics didn’t feel realistic at first. It wasn’t until her junior year of high school that she began to see her potential.

That belief grew stronger thanks to one person who changed everything: her high school coach, Nicole Fossas.

“She was like a second mom to me,” Sullivan said. “Running became my outlet and my safe place.”

On hard days, running became the one place where she felt free. Coach Fossas constantly reminded her of her worth and helped her see the beauty within the sport and within herself.

“She saw something in me that I didn’t even see.”

That support helped transform running from just a hobby into something deeply personal. Sullivan eventually began her collegiate career at Jacksonville University, where she faced adversity within her sport that challenged both her confidence and love for running.

The experience pushed her into the difficult transfer process, one filled with uncertainty, conversations with different schools, and searching for the right fit both athletically and personally.

“I wanted somewhere I could feel safe,” Emma said.

That place became Kennesaw State University. Sullivan was drawn to KSU’s strong middle distance program and athletes like Sarah Hendrick, someone she admired and hoped to one day compete alongside. But what truly changed things was Coach Adam Bray and the culture being built within the program.

“What they were building here felt really special compared to other schools,” she said.

Starting over came with nerves. A new team, new friendships, and a completely new chapter could have been overwhelming. Instead, Sullivan found exactly what she had been searching for.

“Once I got into training and made friends, everyone made me feel welcome,” she said. “Coach Bray always looked out for me and made me feel like part of the team.”

Since arriving at Kennesaw, Emma describes her growth with one word: “extraordinary.”

“When I got here, I wasn’t expecting I would get this far,” she said. “It’s mind-blowing.”

Her progress wasn’t just physical. Yes, her speed and endurance improved drastically, but the biggest transformation came mentally. Before, she lacked confidence. At KSU, she finally understood what greatness truly requires.

“To be great at something, you have to sacrifice,” she said. “You can’t always follow the normal college lifestyle.”

That sacrifice meant committing fully to training, recovery, nutrition, and constant self-improvement. It meant believing in herself before results ever showed up. And the results did come.

One of the defining moments of Emma’s career happened during last year’s outdoor regional meet when she ran the race of her life in the 800 meters, crossing the line in 2:01.71.

“I crossed the finish line and saw the time and thought, wow… I’ve really come this far.’”

The moment hit her instantly, not just because of the time, but because of everything it represented. “Little Emma would be so proud.”

That race helped open her eyes to what was possible. Competing at nationals in 2025 made her realize this dream was real.

“If you keep this up, you can really do this,” she remembered thinking.

Now, Emma carries herself with a confidence younger version of herself once struggled to find.

“Back then I questioned everything, is this who I am? Is this what I want?” she said. “Now I’m unapologetically myself.”

That mindset has made Emma someone younger athletes naturally look up to. Her inbox is filled with messages asking for the “secret” to success.

Her answer is always the same.

“Believe in yourself.,” she says, “If there’s an obstacle, push through it. What are you willing to do to get where you want to be?”

Emma leads quietly, never needing to be the loudest voice in the room. Instead, she leads by example through discipline, consistency, and belief.

Athletes like Akshana and Britney Chapfield have become especially important to her. Emma has taken them under her wing, constantly reminding them that they are capable of more than they realize.

“If I can do it, you can do it too,” she tells them.

Watching them succeed has become just as meaningful as her own accomplishments. Seeing Britney win an indoor conference championship and PR at Liberty remind Emma of why she loves the sport in the first place.

At her core, Emma hopes people remember more than the times and records.

“I hope people remember me as resilient, kind and dedicated,” she said.

Because for Emma, the story was never just about running.

It was about becoming the person she once needed when she was younger. It was about proving that circumstances, doubt, and adversity do not get the final say.

And most importantly, it was about showing others that anything can happen when you truly believe in yourself.

The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.