Lucius Seneca, a philosopher, said, “It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.” Many collegiate athletes can identify with this statement, but maybe none more than Milligan College’s own track team member, Liz Maller.
Maller grew up in Gillette, Wyoming, and is no stranger to the “heights of greatness” Seneca spoke of. In high school, she qualified for all state four times and was the runner up in shot put.
Maller initially went to Morningside College in Iowa but transferred to Milligan for her sophomore year. She throws shot put, discus and hammer for the indoor track team and has been throwing for seven years. As an exercise science major, she wants to eventually become a coach at the collegiate level for throwing.
At the Mountaineer NCAA Indoor Meet, Maller broke Milligan’s standing record (12.63 m) for the women’s weight throw, throwing 13.10 m. She then proceeded to qualify nationally in shot put.
Maller was given a B standard along with other Milligan athletes, like Hannah Segrave, who has also qualified for nationals. Near the end of the indoor season, Chris Layne, the track and field coach, will pick three athletes per gender at Maller’s standard to compete for the school.
“It was really exciting, because it shows you that all our hours of hard work paid off,” Maller said.
Not only is Maller a phenomenal athlete, but she is also a servant leader off the track. Over the summer, she worked as a camp counselor at the Campbell Recreation Center. She is known as a friendly individual who seeks to help student athletes achieve their goals and help them better themselves. Her hope, as an exercise science major, is to become a coach and to push her athletes to achieve their “heights of greatness.”
Her favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Maller said she likes to think of this verse when she is is feeling down or facing a tough situation.