Alisha Brophy

Finding Her Stride: The Confidence Comeback of Alisha Brophy

She joined cross country for fun. She stayed because it became the place she finally believed she belonged.

If you’d told Alisha Brophy back in high school that running would become one of the defining parts of her identity, she probably would’ve laughed. “My teacher assistant was a cross country coach,” she says. “He’d always tell people to join — no cuts, good vibes, and a chance to be part of something.” So Alisha and a friend decided to give it a try in grade 12.

At first, it was just about being active, maybe finding a new hobby. But then she raced on the St. Mary’s University course for the first time. “I loved it,” she says. “The campus, the path — it just felt like home. That’s when I knew I wanted to keep going. I wanted to be part of this team.”

That sense of belonging, though, didn’t come easy. “The toughest challenge I’ve faced is doubting myself,” Alisha admits. “I used to lose confidence right when it mattered most. I’d get in my head, thinking I wasn’t fast enough or good enough. It took a long time to realize that my mindset was holding me back more than anything else.”

Now, she races differently. “At the start line, I clear my mind and remind myself: I am good at this. I deserve to be here. And I’m going to run my best today.”

That’s a mantra built from miles of self-reflection and resilience. When setbacks come — an injury, a bad race, a mental dip — she resets. “I don’t let myself spiral anymore,” she says. “I ask, ‘What can I do today to make things better?’ Small steps forward. That’s how you move out of the rut.”

One of the biggest lessons she’s learned has nothing to do with pace. “I’ve learned to be myself,” she says. “I used to be shy and scared to open up, afraid I wouldn’t fit in with my teammates. But when you hold back, you lose connection. Once I started showing up as my authentic self, everything changed. I started making friends, finding confidence — and enjoying the sport more.”

Her biggest motivation? Her mom. “She’s always been my rock,” Alisha says. “When I’m struggling, she reminds me of who I am and why I started.”

This season, she’s chasing a personal milestone: getting her 6K time down to 35 minutes. But her longer-term goals are just as human. “I want to have fun, build lasting friendships, and stay positive,” she says. “Success to me isn’t just hitting your goals — it’s doing it while making time for people and keeping a good attitude.”

Off the course, Alisha’s personality shines in all the best, unexpected ways. “I’m really passionate about K-pop and South Korean culture,” she says. “And I love making friendship bracelets — it’s kind of my hidden talent.” Her teammates would probably add artistic to that list of traits, along with hilarious.

Her pump-up song? “Permission to Dance by BTS,” she laughs. “It’s impossible not to smile when it’s on.” And if she had a walkout song? “Killin’ It Girl by J-Hope — it just fits the vibe.”

And then there’s the lucky charm — her collection of long socks with wild designs. “My favorite pair has The Grinch on them,” she says. “They’ve been with me for every big race.”

That’s Alisha Brophy — thoughtful, driven, funny, and full of heart. She runs with purpose now — not just to prove something to others, but to remind herself that she belongs exactly where she is.

Because at the end of the day, running isn’t just about the miles — it’s about becoming yourself along the way.