Jillian Candelino - Beyond the Finish Line

Jillian Candelino’s path to becoming an athlete at Tennessee has been a journey through the peaks and valleys of mental resilience and faith. From a reluctant start in running to becoming a two-time State Champion in Cross Country, Candelino has been characterized by overcoming personal battles and finding peace through her trust in God.

Jillian’s journey with running began in the 6th grade, and surprisingly, she initially despised it. However, her unique approach set her towards a path to success.

“I didn’t really care how I did, so I was never nervous,” she recalls. “It may sound bad, but this attitude of not caring actually helped me be really good because I would turn off all of the outside noises and just focus on putting one foot in front of the other.”

Soon, Jillian began to find a lot of success in running. Success, however, brought its own set of challenges. During her sophomore track season, Jillian found herself grappling with pressure, expectations, and the looming prospect of running in college. The once carefree runner was now plagued with anxiety, even contemplating injury to escape the mounting stress.

“That girl who used to be smiling on the line for races was now psyching herself out,” she says. “I would get pits in my stomach if a track meet was coming up.”

At what felt like rock bottom, Jillian experienced a transformative moment. Faced with overwhelming self-inflicted pressure, she turned to her faith for solace. Before every race, she started doing the sign of the cross and reminding herself, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” This shift in mentality allowed her to surrender control and trust in God’s plan.

“Whatever happens; it was meant to happen in God’s plan. If I get last, it was meant to happen. If I trip, it was meant to happen,” she reflects. “I’ve learned that if things go how I plan for them to, it might be less than what God would’ve had in store for me. He knows us better than ourselves. He created the mountains and rivers- He is all powerful- I’d rather have that in charge of my life than myself!”

Jillian’s journey continued at the University of Tennessee, where her talent continued to shine. In the 2023 Cross Country season, she clocked an impressive 20:29.6 at the NCAA Championships, earning her a spot on the USTFCCCA All-South Region team and the SEC All-Freshman Team. Her performance at the NCAA D1 South Regional (10th place, 18:55.0) and the SEC Championships (21st place, 20:32.0) further showcased her prowess.

As Jillian navigated her own struggles, she recognized that anxiety and stress are common experiences. Her wish is for everyone to find the ultimate peace that comes with trusting in God.

“I’ve learned that whatever happens, it is God’s plan. You don’t have to control it, you are not meant to control it,” she emphasizes. “Once you truly start to fully rely on God, a weight lifts off of you, and you can start to focus on what’s really important in life. Surrender, and it will all be better.”

Jillian Candelino’s journey to Tennessee is not just a narrative of athletic accomplishments but a testament to the power of faith, surrender, and resilience. From the reluctant runner who hated the sport to being on the collegiate stage, Jillian’s story serves as an inspiration for those facing their own challenges. Her trust in God’s plan has not only shaped her athletic career but has become a light for overcoming obstacles and finding peace amidst the chaos of life.