Out of the 22 teams racing in the women’s Little 500, one team is standing out to make their mark. That team is Alpha Chi Omega.
Last year, the team placed fifth in quals. This year, the team progressed to second place. AXO is on the rise and they don’t plan on quitting, especially junior rider Leah Anderson.
“You know we are kind of the underdogs,” Anderson said. “Placing second definitely was a big confidence boost, it made us realize we are a good team, we are competitive, we actually have a chance this year.”
Since none of them were rookies this year, AXO cycling had a strong returning group. They have all raced at least once before in the women’s Little 500. Junior rider Jenna Rodgers, was one of the rookies last year.
“I was a rookie last year,” Rodgers said. “Last year was my first ever Little 5 like I have never been to one, obviously never raced in one so I have no idea what to expect this year with the fans.”
Despite the race looking a little different last year with no fans in the stands, AXO still competed. This year they went through rigorous training to prepare for Hoosier fans to be back. The team stayed over spring break and practiced multiple times a day. Even though the training process is exhausting, they would not change it for the world.
Junior Leah Anderson talks about the excitement for fans, placing second in quals, and what made her want to join the bike team.
“It definitely is hard,” Anderson said. “A lot of tears, bruises and blood but I wouldn’t change it for anything, I love my team, I love my coach, it’s a great atmosphere.”
Captain Olivia Rogers, who is the only senior, praised how hard her team has worked. Jenna Rodgers also has great confidence in her team to take home the trophy. Besides placing second in quals, both Olivia and Jenna placed in the top 10 in ITTS (Individual Time Trials). In the women’s team pursuit, the team placed fourth. In last year’s Little 500, AXO placed seventh overall and this year they plan to exceed that.
The team has the best support system and that all comes from their coach, Dave Harstad.
Senior captain Olivia Rogers and junior Jenna Rodgers talk about their preparation for the Little 500, racing in front of fans and their relationship with their coach, Dave Harstad.
“We love our coach,” said Rodgers. “We always joke that he’s like our Bloomington dad honestly because he doesn’t have kids, he’s here everyday that we’re here.”
Coach Dave has more confidence in the team than they do in themselves. The team can’t think of a better way to describe their coach besides “the best coach ever.” Not only has he coached in the Little 500, he also raced in one.
“He went here and graduated in 95,” Rodgers said. “He won for Fiji so he’s pretty big into Little 5, it’s a lot of fun.”
The women’s Little 500 is Friday April 22nd at Bill Armstrong Stadium. If you can’t make it to the stadium on Friday, tune into the broadcast here.
