Rachael Steil

Rachael Steil writes articles about athletes and eating disorders for Running in Silence, and is the founder of the Running in Silence 501(c)(3) nonprofit. She has delivered presentations at conferences, coaching clinics, high schools, and colleges across the country to share her story, raise awareness, and bring hope to coaches and athletes. Steil placed 6th and 7th NAIA All-American in cross country and track, and now coaches high school track and cross country.

4 fun facts:

• I LOVE the state of Michigan (my home). I am always eager to have another road trip around the state to visit quirky spots and gorgeous lakeshore beaches and views. You'll often hear me encouraging others to do the same!
• I started writing "books" when I was five years old, and my dream even at that age was to become an author. I wrote many short stories, and created my own "books" about a cheetah and elephant friendship.
• I swam competitively in middle school, and my favorite moment was learning how to swim the butterfly after years of practice. One day at practice in eighth grade it finally "clicked," and I was on top of the world! I love how it feels to fly over the surface of the water.
• When I was younger I used to say I wanted to be a "librarian" because I thought they were the ones that got to write and illustrate many of the books available to patrons.