Anna French Making Impact in Multiple Ways at Montana State

Anna French didn't start her college career at Montana State, yet she's made her mark in a variety of areas since arriving in Bozeman.

Her first exploits came in cross country for the Bobcats in the fall of 2017. She made her mark on the track and field team's record book during the following indoor and outdoor seasons. French has thrived throughout that time in the classroom and in her field of study.

In the spring of 2018, French was selected as an Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship recipient by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Just one of 120 individuals to be awarded with the honor that year, French also received tuition support through the remainder of her undergraduate studies and an opportunity to complete a paid summer internship with an NOAA scientist.

The double major in biological sciences and chemistry spent this past summer in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, putting her studies to work.

"I was at the Howard Marine Sciences lab there, working with my mentor (Dr.) Chris Chambers," French said. "It was a really cool experience. I was able study the effects of ossification on Atlantic silverside, which is a commercially important forage fish in the Atlantic Ocean."

Now that the 2019 fall semester at Montana State is underway, French has turned her attention back to cross country where she's had success in Blue and Gold.

After transferring from West Virginia, French jumped right into the Bobcats' cross country lineup and was a main contributor to the their runner-up team finish at the 2017 Big Sky Conference Championship. She earned three consecutive top-10 finishes that season and was one of MSU's scorers in the first four meets. She continued to find success when she transitioned into track and field. She established three top 10 all-time program marks in indoor track and two more in outdoor track.

This season has taken on greater meaning for the Plymouth, Minnesota, native after having to sit out of cross country in 2018 due to injuries.

"For me personally, to be able to come back is really exciting," French said. "I remember last year watching the home meet and it was so hard to not be on the line with those girls. To be back and racing again and be putting spikes on for a cross meet is great."

French adds an experienced runner to a group with standout performers on the Montana State women's cross country team. Her presence, both in terms of athletics and as an individual, has been a positive she's provided for the program.

"It's been pretty amazing how she came in as a transfer and has made such an impact athletically, on the academic side and on the leadership side," said Lyle Weese, Montana State's director of track and field and cross country. "She's really involved in so many different things and has won awards in so many different areas. Anna is just an incredible person to have on the team."

French will be active in all facets this upcoming year. While she completes her undergraduate studies this spring, she'll be going after some big goals. French is motivated to do well for her team as well as help serve Montana State's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She's listed some of her aims to include strong team performances at the Big Sky and Mountain Region Cross Country Championships, resume her research efforts and provide service and outreach through SAAC.

For somebody who didn't begin her college career at Montana State, French has certainly made her imprint.

"I feel very fortunate that I found this place," French said. "I definitely feel like the Bobcat family makes Bozeman feel like home. The people here are amazing and supportive from the academic people, to athletics, all my professors, teammates and coaches. It feels like a family. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to come here and continue to develop as a student, athlete and person."

French is scheduled to make her 2019 debut as the Bobcats host the MSU Cross Country Classic at Bridger Creek Golf Course beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Schedule

Anna French Making Impact in Multiple Ways at Montana State

Players Mentioned

Anna French

Footer

Upcoming Events