She first gained recognition as a runner when she claimed her inaugural United States title at the 2013 USA 1 Mile Road Championships. During that event, she not only triumphed but also set a new course record with an impressive time of 4:43.02. Prior to that success, she had already made a name for herself as a four-time All-American athlete while competing for Yale University.
Before her rise to prominence in the running world, she spent her early years growing up in Santa Monica, California. She attended Marlborough High School, where she likely began developing the discipline and drive that would later define her athletic career. Additionally, she comes from a family with a strong fitness background—her mother is Kathy Smith, a well-known fitness expert who has achieved international success through her widely popular fitness videos.
At Yale, she made a name for herself by setting school records in the mile with a time of 4:39.52, in the 800 meters with a mark of 2:03.41, and in the 1,500 meters, where she clocked in at 4:20.66.