Running for Life: Gabe Arias-Sheridan ’18

Gabe Arias-Sheridan ’18 became the first-ever Saint Mary’s cross-country runner to compete at the NCAA Division I National Championship last fall, where he earned a top-50 finish among the country’s best. His recent speedy success came despite facing serious adversity as a child in foster care and a disappointing first two years running for the College.

Arias-Sheridan spent his first years at Saint Mary’s competing with uncertain legs. Underwhelming performances led to a decision: a commitment to improve. He recognized his opportunity and the honor of being able to write history at a small private school in Moraga.

“His maturity is what impresses me most,” said Marty Kinsey, SMC cross-country and track head coach. “If he continues on this path he will go down as one of the greatest runners ever to come through the College.”

At age 7, Arias-Sheridan was taken from his biological mother and placed in foster care. After already being separated from his older brother, who went to a different foster care home, Arias-Sheridan was left alone five years later when his three sisters were adopted. The single mother who adopted his sisters would later adopt Arias-Sheridan, too, reuniting him with his sisters and giving him the family he had yearned for.

Now Arias-Sheridan uses sports as a way to draw strength from his powerful past. He’s a walking specimen of gratitude, courage, and perseverance—a reminder that it’s possible to summon the strength to break through the binds of misfortune.

“You get to be whoever you want when you’re playing a sport,” Arias-Sheridan said. “I know when I run, I forget about what’s going on around me—I forget about school, I forget about different stresses I have in life. That’s what running has done for me. It helps me be who I am.”