This feature originally appeared in the 2019 Fall edition of the Cal Sports Quarterly. The Cal Athletics flagship magazine features long-form sports journalism at its finest and provides in-depth coverage of the scholar-athlete experience in Berkeley. Printed copies are mailed four times a year to Bear Backers who give annually at the Bear Club level (currently $600 or more). For more information on how you can receive a printed version of the Cal Sports Quarterly at home, send an email to CalAthleticsFund@berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-2427.



Following a few knocks on their front door, some residents of Oakland may have had an unexpected Cal cross country student-athlete at their doorstep this summer. At first glance, she may simply appear as a passionate individual working to ban polystyrene (Styrofoam) and items such as single-use plastics. 
 
But there is so much more to junior Annie Boos. She is a member of both the Cal cross country and track & field programs, and holds the school record in the 3000-meter steeplechase. In her day-to-day, Boos balances running, excelling in the classroom, making time for friends, and upholding a firm belief that the secret to success is eight hours of sleep.
 
"It takes a lot of discipline to get up every morning and run 8-to-15 miles, to willfully go through pain," Boos said. "I have used a lot of those skills in academics, just sitting down and making myself work."
 
As a summer intern working in Oakland for Environment California, a nonprofit under Environment America, she kept busy working towards getting bills passed to help better the environment. 
 
"I saw how much of an impact I could have, even if it is something small that I do individually, collectively it makes a huge difference," Boos said. "It opened my eyes so much." 
 
Boos' interest in politics is inspired by her father, Mike. She recalls him going door-to-door, just as she did this summer, and informing his community about voting laws. 
 
Boos believes it is important that people are more educated on politics and the ins and outs of the government. Her favorite classes at Cal have been in political science, and the classroom is where she has truly found her voice and assurance.
 
"My first semester, I was so scared to speak up in classes, and I was so scared to have a bad workout," Boos said. "But now, I am going to do my best and I am going to speak up in class, because I am learning and these experiences will prepare me for the future."
 
From her hard work in the classroom, Boos has received several all-academic recognitions from the MPSF, Pac-12, and the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The scholastic honors are a direct reflection of Boos' study habits and time management. Her work ethic in many facets of life is largely based on two fundamental principles – discipline and staying focused on the bigger picture. Boos never lets herself get too wrapped up in the short-term.
 
"I have noticed that when I make my goal something that is a little broader, it's easier to attain it and be happy with myself," Boos said. "I can achieve more than if I made it a really specific goal because at the end of the day, if you're improving, how could you be mad about that?" 
 
For Boos, there exists a fine line that separates the pain and exhaustion she engages in while running cross country, and the clarity and freedom her sport gives back to her. As Boos continues her academic and athletic careers at Cal, she is not exactly sure where her path will take her – but her journey is a marathon, not a sprint.