

Building a Dynasty: Laurie Henes on Culture, Standards, and the Blueprint Behind NC State’s 3-Peat
Oct 1, 2025
Laurie Henes, a former NCAA champion and current Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at NC State, shares her journey in transforming NC State into a powerhouse. She highlights the importance of individualized training to align athletes for peak performance and her strategies for recruiting hidden gems like Grace Hartman. Laurie emphasizes building a strong culture, minimizing race-day tension, and the emotional complexities of defending titles. She discusses the significance of resilience in athletes and her success measurement centered around athlete development.
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Prioritize Long-Term Season Timing
- NC State keeps athletes home longer to balance three peak seasons and recovery.
- Laurie Henes believes later returns improve team cohesion and individual performance.
Finding Hidden Gems In Practice
- Laurie recruited Grace Hartman by watching practice and sensing relentless drive.
- She values developing hidden gems and still prioritizes recruiting high-potential high schoolers.
Recruit By Attitude And Range
- Visit recruits' practices and observe attitude and range, not just race results.
- Prioritize athletes who want to be better together and embrace team roles.