Cross Country

Friday Focus with Kayla O'Neil

Moravian University | Women's Cross Country

TOWSON, Md. - Friday Focus is the Landmark Conference’s weekly student-athlete spotlight, giving us a chance to get to know the people who make up our conference both on and off the field.

This week, we’re catching up with Moravian University women’s cross country student-athlete Kayla O’Neil, who reflects on finding the right fit at Moravian, what she values most about competing at the Division III level, and the importance of understanding the “why” behind her training. Kayla also looks back on winning the 2025 Landmark Conference Championship and shares a lesson from running that she’ll carry with her long after her collegiate career.

When you were going through the college search process, what stood out about Moravian and ultimately made you decide it was the right fit?
I am studying to become a teacher, so Moravian's Education Program stood out to me because it gets you into the school districts starting your freshman year. Not a lot of schools start students in field experience/student teaching early like that, and I thought it was important because I could see early if teaching was something I still wanted to pursue and because it helps you gain experience quickly.

Additionally, of course, Coach Baumann and the cross country team were a huge factor. I could feel the team's camaraderie and see their commitment to hard work, which made it easy for me to decide that Moravian would be the right fit both academically and athletically.

What has competing as a Division III student-athlete taught you, and what aspect of the experience do you value most?
Competing in Division III has taught me that pursuing what I love for myself, and no one else, is important and valuable, and adds meaning to my life. And that doing something because you love it, not because of what you can gain or get in return, is a good enough reason to do anything. Students who choose to go DIII are here because they love their sport. There are no incentives like there are in other divisions, so the athletes in it are here because they love it. That experience sets us apart and is what I value the most. Being around others who are just as passionate about the sport as I am is amazing, and it pushes us all to elevate our performance.

Who has had the greatest influence on your athletic journey, and what lessons or support from that person have stayed with you throughout your career?
I would say that my high school cross country and track coach, Peter Tuohy, has had the greatest influence on my athletic journey. No matter what we were doing at practice that day, he would always tell us why we were doing it and the benefits we would get by completing it. This taught me to always be aware of the why. Everything we do at practice should have a purpose, and knowing that why can be extremely beneficial. If I know why we run a certain workout at a certain point in the season, then I can lean into whatever aspect we are trying to work on and make sure I am getting the intended outcome. That lesson has continued to benefit me throughout my running career.

Looking back on your career so far, what accomplishment are you most proud of and why does that moment stand out to you?
The accomplishment I am most proud of during my career at Moravian would be winning the women's cross country Landmark Conference Championship last year (2025). Both our men's and women's teams placed first that day. The last time a group of Moravian women won that championship was in 2013, and the last time both the men's and women's teams swept together was in 2011. So it was really special being a part of the team that brought that trophy home after so many years.

What's something you've learned through athletics that you'll carry with you long after your playing career ends?
In running, there is a saying that the hardest part about going for a run is getting out the door. In other words: the hardest part is getting started. And I think that is true about anything. It's the fear of the unknown that keeps us all inside, but once we are started, it becomes easier to commit to the process. So I’d say athletics has taught me not to be afraid to take that first step.

Fast Five...
Favorite pregame song or artist?
Tally - Twenty One Pilots

Favorite road trip snack?
Cinnamon applesauce pouches

Favorite professional team?
Chicago Bears

Dream vacation destination?
Greece

Favorite TV show or streaming series?
Jujutsu Kaisen