Web Threads: Molly Wise
2/18/2025
Web Threads are in-depth, behind-the-scenes stories from those at the heart of Richmond Athletics: student-athletes, staff members, loyal supporters, and more. Web Threads gives a glimpse into the ambitions, motivations, and sacrifices of the individuals who allow Richmond to excel at the highest levels of intercollegiate athletics and academics as well as the philanthropy that supports them every step of the way. Welcome to our web.
Junior Molly Wise always knows how she’s going to tackle the day. Between practice, lift, classes and a part time job, Wise holds every minute accountable. A University of Richmond track and field program record holder and an Atlantic 10 Conference champion, Wise didn’t know how big of an impact her “side sport" would have on her time at UR, but the resources at her disposal – both athletic and academic – have shaped her experience in ways she never imagined.
“I was already looking at and then applied to Richmond before being recruited to the track team,” Wise said. “[In middle and high school] I was a volleyball and tennis player. After knee surgery, recovery and COVID, I decided to continue with volleyball and run track on the side."
After visiting campus in November of her senior year of high school, Wise made it official in January to join the women’s track and field team in the fall of 2022.
Wise’s freshman track season hit some bumps. She focused more on recovering from a second meniscus surgery rather than competing with her teammates.
During the summer after her freshman year, Wise also interned with a physical therapist. “I really enjoyed the one-on-one personal connection that I got being a physical therapist assistant. I thought that there is a direct opportunity to go into personal training, just more personal growth inspired as opposed to injury recovery.”
With the sports medicine resources for student-athletes at Richmond, Wise made use of her time rehabbing and getting stronger. As a pre-med major, Wise asked her surgeon, Dr. David Nedeff, about an internship the summer after her freshman year. She landed with Dr. Paul Kiritsis, who showed her the ropes during his clinical hours, allowed her to watch him perform surgeries and taught her what it means to be a good doctor, according to Wise.
After her sophomore summer, Wise connected with the staff at Richmond's Weinstein Center for Recreation and became certified as a personal trainer - a feat made possible by the university’s commitment to helping students develop beyond the classroom. Working around her classes and practice schedule, she offers her time and expertise to help community members with their training goals while building her own skills.
“I can fit in training sessions when I have down time during the day or meet with people at night,” Wise said. “It’s taught me about time management. I heavily rely on my coaches and teammates communicating, and my friend group for social support to get through the days. I love being busy and taking advantage of all the opportunities [UR has available to students].”
Big strides were made on the track and in the pit in Wise’s second season, her first healthy outdoor season at Richmond. Wise trained alongside transfer Alicia Dawson, ’24, with whom she developed a strong bond. “Jumps, hurdles, sprints, we’re a very tight knit group. [We spend] lots of time in practice with each other, lots of time out of practice together.” Wise said. “Having people with similar experiences able to talk to, guide you through things in track and out of track is so important.”
“Specifically in jumps, [your teammate is] who you are in competition with. When you’re battling and having somebody that you know has your back, even if it’s just cheering you down the runway, having a small cheering section is pivotal.”
That spirit of collaboration and support helped Wise and Dawson reach impressive milestones in their respective journeys, often going head to head in the long jump at every meet. Dawson just edged Wise to capture the Richmond program record at the 2024 IC4A/ECAC Indoor Championship with a 6.13 meter jump. Weeks later, at the 2024 Atlantic 10 Conference Outdoor Championship, Wise edged Dawson for the long jump title at 6.12 meters.
This season, Wise is back atop the record books. In her first indoor meet of the 2025 calendar year, Wise took over the UR program indoor long jump record with a distance of 6.15 meters at the Brant Tolsma Invitational, hosted by Liberty University in late January.
“I’ve seen both sides now. I know what it’s like to have someone training towards specific distances that I’ve hit, versus last year I was working to catch up with [Alicia],’ Wise said. “It can be tough, but that’s why it’s so important to have a strong friendship and know that if you get beat by them today, that they are going to have your back the next day.”
In her downtime, Wise takes advantage of the wellness resources the university offers. “I use the massage chairs in the Weinstein Center or the sensory deprivation chairs in the same room. I am just locked in. I love them. A lot of times, I’ll write my papers down there.”
In addition to athletics, Wise is preparing for her future through a wide range of university opportunities. This summer, she will take the MCAT and work as a personal trainer, all while participating as a research fellow in Dr. John Peter’s Lab, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases.
Wise’s story is just one of the many student-athletes at Richmond whose lives have been impacted by the support of Spider Nation. We are grateful to the loyal supporters who make career and leadership development resources available to our 400 student-athletes and the opportunities they create for them!
