Marie grew up on a pig farm in South Dakota where life was hard. She recalls bill collectors calling frequently, witnessing abuse in her home, and having to endure judgment and separation from family members at various points in her upbringing. Marie’s family was poor, both financially and spiritually. 

Marie says three coaches influenced her perseverance toward attending college, ultimately being offered a basketball scholarship at Dakota State University. Scared, but convinced that this opportunity was her only way out of a difficult and messy home life, Marie went.

Three weeks into school Marie met Dave, a cross country athlete. A friendship blossomed over long walks, talks, and 7-11 slurpees before Dave took Marie to meet his parents.

Dave’s parents owned and operated a medical clinic in town. They were educated and Marie was concerned that they wouldn’t accept her. Marie shares that her interaction with Dave’s father, Rich, was drastically different than she had envisioned, and it radically changed her outlook on life.

Rich spent time asking her about her family and cared to know her personally. He invited Marie to spend time running in the mornings with both he and Dave and eventually entered Marie in her very first running race! 

Marie met Jesus through Rich and learned much about God’s unconditional love for broken people like herself. She observed how Rich lived his life for the glory of God in both big and small ways. Rich encouraged Marie, challenged her, and empowered her to set her mind on greater things.

Marie and Dave eventually married, and Marie continued to cultivate a beautiful relationship with her now late father-in-law. Marie also went on to become a six time All American Runner in the NAIA division and qualified for the Olympic Trials in the Marathon. She was named 2021’s Section 2AA Cross Country Coach of the Year and most recently led the Marshall High School Girls Cross Country Team to a 2023 State Championship, attributing all glory to God!