PLNU Athletics

Vanessa Couch is considered one of Point Loma’s most outstanding graduates and embodies the best of mind, body and spirit. In the words of Coach Crakes, “Vanessa is one of those rare individuals who is at home with a mathematic formula or a creative writing project. A new era of women’s distance running at the college was ushered in upon the enrollment of this young woman from the state of Oregon in 1988.”

One of the most unique talents is the uncommon facility for pushing herself to the limit. This has allowed her to be extremely successful in virtually everything she attempts. The personality traits of humility, loyalty, dedication and enthusiasm provide the framework for her exceptional leadership capacity.

Couch was Point Loma’s first national class female distance runner. She set school records in the 1500m, 3000m and 5000m. She won the NAIA District Three Cross Country Championship in 1991. That same year she garnered 13th place out of more than 350 runners at the NAIA National Cross Country meet in Kenosha, WI. This was the highest finish of any female athlete from Point Loma College and gave her the distinction of being a three-time All-American during her collegiate career. During that brief period, she won, or was runner-up in district and conference individual championship events 12 times.

In NAIA Track and Field Championship meets, Couch attained All-American status in 1990 with a sixth place finish in the 1500m and in 1991 with a third place finish in the 3000m. She was an Academic All-American in 1990. In 1989-90 she received the CSA Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year Award.

Couch followed her academic work at PLNU by achieving her Master’s degree in education at Willamette University in 1998. She has traveled extensively since graduation and worked in both Germany and South Korea.

The award for Outstanding Achievement by an Athlete was presented to Couch by Bob Brower.