By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

It has only been three short years since Audrey Miller began her running career.

After playing soccer throughout her youth, Miller turned to running when she got burned out on the pitch and was looking for an alternative challenge that could ignite her competitive excitement again.

What the Aurora sophomore has done from that point forward could only be described by veteran cross country coach Laura Bell as “unheard of.”

Miller’s personal bests have continually been shattered, dropping more than 2 minutes year over year — all while racing toward individual titles and helping guide the Greenmen to team championships.

Miller’s reaction to it all?

“Thank you.”

They are the two words that Bell says she hears Miller say more often than anything else.

“I have never heard Audrey brag or boast about her performance in 2 years,” Bell said. “I have only ever heard her say thank you to people when they congratulate her or tell her how amazing she is.”

Amazing, indeed.

Miller has followed up a sensational freshman season with an even better sophomore campaign that has included a Suburban League championship, Madison District title and the top spot on the podium at the Boardman Regional.

Still, with all of the success, Miller, who is strong in her faith and writes Bible verses on her wrists before every race, has continued to allow her running style to match her personality and stay true to herself.

“Audrey is easy going, mature, a wise old soul,” Bell said. “She is always very calm, level-headed and goal oriented. I would say on race day she locks in and isn’t easily intimidated, but also very humble and kind.”

Miller’s approach is a perfect mixture of competitive spirit, discipline and respect, which makes sense considering that the family’s Golden Retriever is named Kobe in honor of the NBA legend who was famously known for a blend of the same characteristics.

It has pushed Miller to achieve moments far sooner than most could have anticipated.

Largely because of her ability to motivate herself through an ambitious drive and refusal to be content with the latest accomplishments.

“What she has achieved in such a short amount of time is exceptional,” Bell said. “Some athletes take years to take that much time off of their personal records, especially when athletes are already performing at top levels.”

In 2025, even when Miller was posting quality times, she remained focused on a goal to get under 19 minutes.

Even last season, when Miller was completing races at good times, she was focused on a goal to get under 19 minutes.

“I tried all season and it just didn’t happen,” said Miller, whose PR in 2025 was 19:13 and included a finish of 40th in the state in Division II.

Instead of staying in a rut of frustration and disappointment from the failure of not achieving her goal, Miller pushed forward, choosing to stay inspired and motivated.

It worked.

This season, Miller has not only dipped under 19, but is now also consistently running under 18, with her current PR time being 17:11.

“That’s unheard of,” Bell said. “This is clearly a reflection of her commitment, hard work and dedication to herself and her training. The ability to push herself to new levels is impressive and even more impressive as a young high school student-athlete. All while maintaining social connections and strong academic performance.”

It may be unheard of, but keep listening, because it is clear Miller will always be ready to run toward a new finish line of success that is unattainable to most.