Well, folks, another Penn State alum recently made a once-in-a-lifetime decision.

On September 3, 2026, Penn State alumna Hayley Kitching made a life-changing decision to sign on as a professional runner with Brooks Beasts — a track club based in Seattle.

The Australian has made a lasting impact on Penn State’s track squad, holding nine school records and earning three All-America honors, and she hopes to carry that reputation into her new journey as a professional track and field athlete.

But before Kitching makes her debut, we had the chance to speak with her about her time at Penn State and what lies ahead as she begins her professional career.

Onward State: You hold nine Penn State records in both indoor and outdoor track and field. What goals have you set for yourself as you continue your career as a pro athlete?

Hayley Kitching: I want to continue that momentum and consistency that I’ve had over the past four years, which will be super important for me.

I also want to continue to have the confidence that I’ve built with Penn State because I’m going into a field with the best athletes in the world. I’m just excited to continue that consistency.

OS: You’re originally from Australia. What was it like coming to the U.S. and how did you adapt to the new environment?

HK: It was a crazy change for me.

Obviously, the culture is super different, but my mom is American, so I definitely was a little used to it. My parents both went to university in the States, so I had a little bit of an idea of what I was getting myself into, but it was a huge adjustment.

It seemed like a big change at the time of my freshman year, but with the routine of track, it made it a lot easier.

OS: What was your reaction when you found out you had the opportunity to sign with Brooks?

HK: It was pretty amazing. When I first decided to come to college in the U.S., it never was really an option for me not to go pro, but there were definitely times in my career where I was like, “Oh, is this actually going to be an option for me?”

This year really solidified that after finishing at nationals.

It was awesome being able to sit down after and realize I have a really cool opportunity here, and I get to do what I love for a living.

OS: How have you adjusted to the new commitment that comes with becoming a professional?

HK: Honestly, it’s been more of a mindset thing for me.

I feel like I’m doing the same things that I would normally do, training-wise, because it’s the same thing that got me here, so it’s the same thing I need to continue doing.

Definitely approaching each day a little bit differently in the sense of, this is my job, so I need to take it just that little bit more seriously.

OS: You ran the second-fastest NCAA outdoor 800m time in history this past June. What does this mean to you, and how has your training paid off for this moment?

HK: It was honestly crazy to be in a race like that because the girls I’ve been running with since I came to America have been outstanding these past four years.

We’ve been pushing each other in amazing ways, and to be in a final of a caliber like that was insane, to run the fastest time ever.

It hasn’t been anything super crazy that I’ve been doing, just hard work over a long period of time. I was grateful to be a part of something like that — being bigger than myself.

OS: Do you have any lessons you learned from Penn State? If so, how are you going to carry them into your new journey?

HK: Some of the main takeaways that I had over my collegiate career were to be in tune with yourself and your body and not push it too hard.

It’s always so easy to get caught up in this fast-paced environment where you’re racing every weekend.

As I’ve matured as an athlete, one of the main things I’ve learned that is super important is to be in tune with yourself and protect your peace.

Take things easy if you’re feeling sick because consistency pays off over time. Go on your own journey and recognize that you’ll get there no matter the time.

OS: How has your success inspired your family and friends back home in Australia?

HK: It’s definitely been a big turning point. There’s always been Australians who have come over to the NCAA to compete, but I think in my age group, especially, there have been some other great girls and guys who have come over and done really good things.

I think it’s really awesome and inspiring to see someone like myself who has made such a big change; moving across the country for school is one thing, but moving to an entirely different continent without your family and friends is really scary.

I think seeing people like me do that helps younger generations because it shows we can do hard things, and I think there is a whole younger generation in Australia that is more than capable of doing something like that and making a change.

It’s important that people recognize it’s actually not as hard as it seems, and it can be super fun and life-changing in the best way.

OS: What are you most looking forward to as you start this new chapter with Brooks?

HK: Honestly, I’m most looking forward to challenging myself.

In the NCAA, I was getting to the point where I’m super confident in myself, and I know that I can compete against these girls. I think this pro chapter will be super exciting because I’m going to be jumping into an environment where I’m not that top dog anymore.

Challenging myself mentally and building the confidence I gained over my NCAA career is going to be really exciting because it will help me improve as an athlete and grow mentally.

OS: What is your favorite memory you have in Happy Valley?

HK: Oh, that’s hard.

It’s not one specific thing, but definitely any of the indoor meets that we’ve had. The environment and seeing everyone who’s racing has just been the most awesome and empowering thing to see and be a part of.

OS: If you could give one piece of advice to college students, what would it be?

HK: One piece of advice is not to compare yourself. Go on your own journey and don’t care about what anyone else thinks or is saying.