By Mark Ambrogi
Dylan Sorensen has spent two-plus years focusing on making the U.S. Olympic Triathlon team in 2020.
The 2009 Zionsville Community High School graduate still has that goal, but his main focus has shifted significantly.
In July, Sorensen joined the Stanford University staff as an assistant men’s distance coach working with the distance runners for cross country and track and field.
“Coaching will be my No. 1 priority, but the facilities there are unmatched, the weather is phenomenal year-round and I will certainly stay in shape,” Sorenson said. “That’s definitely a goal I want to accomplish. My race schedule, for my own sake, will revolve around the meets that my guys will be in.”
Sorensen, 27, was a two-time All-American in the steeplechase at Georgetown University. Sorensen said while competing at Georgetown, he helped a lot with the recruiting aspect and has always been interested in coaching.
“A big part of the job will be finding the right athletes that we think will be a great part of the team and integrate well with the culture that is established there,” Sorensen said. “Not every kid is the right fit for Stanford, but if they are a great student academically and also a humble but talented athlete, then those are the kind of kids we look for.”
Sorensen was recruited by the Olympic Development team after completing his Georgetown career in 2014. Although he attempted, Sorensen knew making the 2016 Olympic Triathlon team was a long shot because he needed to sharpen his swimming skills. Prior to taking the Stanford post, Sorensen had been working for Major League Triathlon, a professional league.
Sorensen said Chris Miltenberg, Stanford’s director of track and field, has been a role model since Sorensen got to Georgetown. Miltenberg was the Hoyas’ women’s cross country coach and associate head women’s track and field coach.
“He was the women’s coach the first three years I was at Georgetown, and he ran at Georgetown himself for the same coach (Pat Henner) I had,” Sorensen said.
So Sorensen said Henner had an influence on both their coaching philosophies.
Sorensen said the combination of coaches and athletes is top-notch.
“You won’t find a better group of people,” Sorensen said. “I’m looking forward to learning from the group and being able to contribute to the success of the team.”
