Molly Ragland, a former cross-country racer continues running through life, except now she is barrel racing on horseback. 

Ragland came to Ferrum for college and fell in love with the small college atmosphere that the school holds and the relationships it can help build. 

“I loved that Ferrum is small, and you know a majority of the people you go to school with. Some of my best friends came from Ferrum, and I am so thankful for that,” said Ragland. 

Ragland was a member of the cross-country team, and while she was not at the head of the pack, she still made sure to do her part in pushing the Panthers towards victory. 

“I wasn’t the fastest runner on the team, but I always made sure to be in front or do my best to be in front of other back or ‘behind’ runners from other colleges to make sure Ferrum had the chance to place above them,” stated Ragland. “I remember Coach telling me to try and pass as many girls from certain schools, and during meets I would find the back of their jersey and never take my eye off it until I caught up with them.” 

Her time as a runner also built up her mental fortitude and tested the limits of her abilities, allowing her to break past her own barriers. 

“Cross country is definitely one of the toughest sports,” she commented. “It takes a lot of preparation to be able to run long distance. I do believe it is hard just as much mentally as it is physically. One thing I’ve learned about running is if you are strong mentally you will be faster and go much further. Coach White was awesome and was always pushing me to be better.”

While she ran with her own two legs here at Ferrum, Ragland is also skilled with four legs on the ground and seated onto a saddle. 

“Barrel racing and horses has always been a huge part of my life since I was five. I used to ride jumping horses and made the change to barrel racing when I was 13,” crowed Ragland. “I’ve had some amazing horses that have loved their job and taken great care of me.’ 

The current equine host for Ragland holds quite the luxurious name and seems to be putting in the work to live up to such a title. 

“My current competition horse now, Rolex, is very special to the whole family. We’ve won lots of prizes and money together,” exulted Ragland. “He’s also qualified me for National Barrel Horse Association world championships each year I’ve owned him (going on four years now). I have yet to make the trip to Georgia to compete in that race, but it’s definitely in my future plans.” 

While she is riding in the saddle and looking for her next prize, Ragland still has parts of Ferrum within her heart as she goes through her life and looks back. 

“Things I have taken from my time at college is to never take that time for granted. I miss certain things about college at times,” reminisced Ragland. “I remember getting so caught up in long papers and studying to the point I can’t wait to graduate, but when I look back, I wish I had it that easy again.” 

Ragland’s entrance into adulthood puts college life into a new light, and she encourages other college students to enjoy and revel in the experience. 

“Spending time with your friends and doing what you love almost every day is something you should enjoy every moment of. I know the school part can suck and getting up for 8 a.m. classes isn’t easy, but once you get to the real world, you wish you could go back,” concluded Ragland.