Allison Sherman, a Division 1 women’s cross-country runner at the University of Detroit Mercy, is graduating in the spring of 2024 and leaves a legacy behind her.
Sherman, a distance runner, has not only become a star athlete but has also shown outstanding dedication when it comes to her education. Pursing her master’s degree in electrical engineering, Sherman was named on the Detroit Mercy Athletic Director’s Honor Roll five times in a row. She also broke the school record with a time of 16:47 for the 5k at the Horizon League Indoor Track & Field Championship in 2024, made the second fastest school time in history at 9:51 for the 3k in 2024, and made the second-best time in school history for the 10k at Bucknell University in her junior year, clocking in at 36:12.
Coach Guy Murray, the women’s cross-country coach at UDM, described Sherman as a determined, caring and very goal-oriented individual – “a Titan.”
“She likes to train. She puts in the miles, and you can see it pay off…. [she’s] a great competitor and competes all the way to the finish,” Coach Murray said.
He also described Sherman as dependable, someone the team can count on in every race.
A true Titan, Sherman relayed her love for the University of Detroit Mercy and the opportunities it has given her.
“I am really grateful that I was able to come here and compete and to be a leader on this team,” Sherman said. “I think at a big school I would have been a number inside of the classroom and potentially even on the team, but here I’ve been able to get one-on-one coaching and one-on-one teaching.”
This has allowed her to feel like she has excelled to the best of her capability as a runner and a student.
Sherman revealed she decided to attend UDM because of the team that she met with on her official visit to the university. Now a graduate student leaving a legacy in the spring, she is described as a mentor and friend to her fellow teammates.
“I love cracking jokes with her and just messing around, but I also ask her for advice often, especially about grades or running,” said Nina Pizzo, Sherman’s teammate. “I definitely look up to her.”
When asked what she would say to her first-year self if she were able, Sherman said, “to be patient.” She recounted the feeling of comparison and struggling with the adjustments of the college experience. Patience allowed Sherman to find how she could excel, creating one of the best runners UDM has ever seen. Sherman uses her past experiences to mentor her teammates.
“She reminds me that being consistent and patient are keys to becoming a good athlete,” Pizzo said.
Sherman’s passion is said to be “contagious,” and not only has she brought her team to victory by her work ethic, but also by inspiring her team.
After graduation, Sherman will be working at Stellantis in its Chrysler Institute of Engineering program. Still holding on to her passion for running, she will also be training for future marathons and has signed up for the Chicago Marathon in October.
