Grinnell College Athletics

Joanne Sackett '90-an all-around athlete from Perry, Iowa, was quick to prove that she could dominate competition whether on the court or in the field, running the open trails, or racing around the confines of a track. During her first year of collegiate athletics, Sackett was named female freshmen athlete of the year after receiving most valuable player honors in volleyball. She also captured the conference title in the javelin, throwing a school-best 109'8". Never having dreamed that she would give up volleyball, Sackett surprised herself and her coaches when as a junior she turned in her kneepads for a try at cross country. In her first year of competition she placed third at the conference meet and helped her team to a second-place finish. Sackett in her senior year led the harriers to their first team title since 1985. Her fourth-place finish was the best by any Grinnell runner. At the regional meet she placed eighth and recorded a personal best at nationals for a 42nd-place finish. Sackett put the final stamp on her career by setting school records in the indoor 600, 1,000, and 1,500. Her time of 3:07.27 in the 1,000 earned her the conference championship and was also an all-time league best. Joanne continues to pursue her passion for sports, playing in several volleyball leagues and competing in road races in Colorado Springs, Colo. She is coordinator of the elite athlete insurance program at the United States Olympic Training Center.