Eliot Soderholm

Bio

Eliot Soderholm

Collegiate Sports:  Cross Country and Snowshoe Team

Hometown:  Reston, Virginia 

High School:  South Lakes High School 2023 

Athletic Honors Attained (before arriving at Paul Smith’s College):

Helped my team (South Lakes) finish 2^nd at the 2022 Virginia Class 6 Northern Region XC Championship, finishing 4^th on the team and 17^th overall in a PB of 16:21 for 3 miles.

HS track PB’s: 400m 59.41, 1000m 2:50.16, 1600m 4:39.00, 3200m 9:47.58.

Academic Major: Biology

Dean's List:  Fall 2023; Spring 2024; Fall 2024; Spring 2025.

Collegiate Athletic Honors/Highlights:

Freshman year (2023-2024) 

• Finished 2^nd at 2023 Founding Tree Invitational 8K XC Race:  in 27:27 (first sub-29, first sub-28).
• Season’s best (and current PB) of 27:08 for 8k (freshman class record, PSC XC #3 all-time)
• 2023 YSCC Conference individual champion
• Finished 3^rd at the USCAA Small College National Championships earning All-American honors
• Winner of the Stonewall Snowshoe Race
• Won gold in the junior race at the 2024 World Snowshoe Championships in Spain, bringing home a world title to Paul Smith’s College and the United States

Sophomore year (2024-2025) 

• Season’s best of 28:22 for 8K
• Finished 2^nd at the 2024 YSCC Conference Championships
• Finished 10^th at the USCAA Small College National Championships becoming a two-time All-American 

Junior year (2025 - 2026)

• Established the men's 5K collegiate XC record time of 16:01 at SUNY Plattsburgh on August 30, 2025.

Personal Information and Pursuits for Fun ~ Why Paul Smith's?

I enjoy cycling almost as much as running.  It is nice to have an endurance pursuit that you do purely for enjoyment, and not for competition.  No clocks, timers, or bib number … just the Adirondacks scrolling over my handlebars. 

I enjoy reading, hanging out (and often laughing) with friends, spending time with family, and petting cats, dogs, and horses.  I also enjoy learning and writing about both the deep and rich human story of the Adirondacks and the fascinating history of Paul Smith’s College.  

The professors at Paul Smith’s College are incredible stewards of our young minds.  Most of the people I know have been taken under the wing of one of their professors.  They help guide their mentees through both their studies and life while providing invaluable wisdom and encouraging them to be their best selves.  Many times, professors invite students to work with them on various projects. 

On the athletics side, Jim is one of the most wonderful humans and coaches I have ever met.  He is always full of great stories and humor, especially when you are spending hours together on a bus or at an airport gate.   And he is just as full of kindness and generosity; working hard to look after all his students.  Our assistant coach Phil is full of positive energy, will cheer louder than anyone on the course, and has no shortage of stories or jokes himself.  Back home on the campus, Brandon is a phenomenal athletic trainer who takes the time to work carefully with each athlete to get them back into competition and keep them healthy from week to week. 

While the people here are what truly make Paul Smith’s so special, one would go amiss without mentioning the campus and environment we are surrounded by.  It is an endurance athlete’s playground.  Opportunities abound for hiking, trail and snowshoe running, cycling, and other endurance pursuits; all in front of a stunning backdrop.

Other Athletic Interests and Activities:

Hiking/Backpacking

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) “Alaska Wilderness” (AKW) Course Graduate 2023, Eagle Scout, and song writer.