Campus Spotlight – Maria Geesaman by Eryn Conyers ’16
(inset) At the 2021 NCCAA Track and Field Championships, Maria crushed the field in the 3000-meter steeplechase, winning the event by more than 20 seconds. (right) Maria grabs a photo op with PBL state officers Kitra Cody and Moriah Toledo.
"I am grateful to both of them for showing me my worth isn’t from a time on the clock but knowing I’m a child of God." “You hear the word “transform” here a lot, but it’s completely different when you realize you're experiencing the transformation taking place. York College has provided me with so many faculty and staff who truly care and want the best for me, and for that I will be forever grateful. This is the reason why York College will always hold a special place in my heart.” Who knew that when Geesaman started running in high school that it would lead her to so much more, the race of a lifetime? God did. He knew exactly what He was doing in her story. n And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2
’95
(above) Maria has led York's cross country team the last four years and broke her own YC record in the 5K at the 2021 NCCAA National Championships by 10 seconds with a time of 18:43.
time on the clock but knowing I’m a child of God. “This place has not only allowed me to grow in running and leadership, but it has also allowed me to grow spiritually. I started my journey with God last May and since then have been baptized. I’m trying to reflect Christ in all I do. Nick and Deb Ditoro have had a profound impact in helping me come to Christ, and have not only walked alongside me, but have given constant love throughout my journey.
photos by Bob DeHart
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he love of running and an athletic scholarship may have brought senior Maria Geesaman to York College, but fast forward through her time as a student-athlete and she’s found a lot more to be running for. You might remember reading a feature on freshman Geesaman back in 2018. She talked about how she once thought school seemed impossible and that she never expected to be a college athlete. But in her first year at YC, she broke the school record in the 5K. Four years later, Geesaman, now sporting the name “Jett,” is a two-time national qualifier in the NAIA Cross Country Championships, a four-time NCCAA Cross Country/Track and Field All-American, and holds the YC record in more than 10 events. In addition to her commitment to the cross country and track and field programs, Geesaman is pursuing degrees in accounting, business administration, and sports management and hopes to earn her CPA and become a forensic accountant or auditor. She also serves as the co-chair president of the Professional Business Leaders (PBL) chapter. There is no doubt that there’s been a transformational journey here, and when there’s transformation taking place in one area, oftentimes we can find it occurring in other parts of life. “Coming to York I would have never imagined that it would transform me into the person I am today,” said Geesaman. “I would have never dreamed of the friendships and relationships I’ve gained. “Coach Carver and Coach Nething have not only helped me on the track, but they have instilled in me lessons I will never forget. I am grateful to both of them for showing me my worth isn’t from a
