Missoula Hellgate’s Jamison Molloy Transitions from Novice to NCAA Prospect
MISSOULA — Jamison Molloy, a standout runner from Missoula Hellgate, embarked on her athletic journey in an unexpected way. Initially reluctant to join any sports during her freshman year in 2021, Molloy was enticed by a friend’s coaxing to join the cross country team. "I just thought it was something to do for fun," she admitted, reflecting on her early days in athletics.
However, everything changed after a promising but humble rookie season, which saw her fail to qualify for state competitions. By her sophomore year, Molloy’s hard work began to pay off as she clinched a state championship in the 3,200-meter run and placed second in the 1,600-meter run at the 2023 State AA championships. This shift in performance ignited her vision of pursuing running at the collegiate level. "I realized that if I put in the effort, I could excel," she stated.
As a three-time all-state runner, she has steadily climbed the ranks, achieving top finishes in both cross country and track. The guidance of mentors, particularly former teammates, has played a crucial role in Molloy’s development. She looked up to senior Kensey May, who later ran at Colorado State, and was inspired by her college teammates at Montana State.
Now a senior, Jamison has secured a walk-on spot at Montana State, with the prospect of earning a partial scholarship based on her performance. With the state meet approaching, Molloy holds competitive rankings in multiple events, including the 800-meter and 1,600-meter runs. “This sport has become integral to my life,” she reflected, emphasizing her growth from a casual participant to a dedicated athlete poised for collegiate competition.
Frank Gogola reports for the Missoulian and 406 MT Sports.
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