Salute to Service
11/10/2025 3:11:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Cross country student-athlete Andrew Fielding has always had a calling to serve his country. The junior acted on that calling, actively serving in the South Carolina National Guard all while balancing academics and Division I athletics.
The Chelsea, Alabama, native started his service journey right out of high school, beginning basic training just two months after graduation.
Basic training led Fielding to do things he never thought he would get to experience, such as throwing a grenade and doing combat drills. It was an impactful time for Fielding.
"I don't forget stuff like that," said Fielding.
Preparing to perform as a student and an athlete was no easy feat after coming home from basic training.
"I got back and started running again, trying to get back in shape… to join the cross-country team."
Going directly from the intense schedule of basic training to his freshman year of college, he was getting mentally prepared to get back to normal life and get ready for school.
Fielding is a motor transport operator for the South Carolina National Guard.
"It can get really busy at times. You kind of have to drop everything you're doing and any commitments you have because the Army comes first no matter what."
He recalls how tough freshman year was, but as he has grown, it is now something he enjoys managing.
When Fielding first traveled to Charleston for his recruiting visit, he fell in love with the city and the team.
"My only way to get here by being out of state was to join the National Guard to pay my way through school. So, it knocked out two birds with one stone, it's something I've always wanted to do, and it helps me go to school."
When his teammates might be suffering through a hard workout, Fielding recalls his time in basic training and leans on the lessons learned there, like discipline and commitment.
"No matter how challenging the workout gets or the race gets when running, I've gone through rougher stuff."
As an upperclassman on the team, Fielding is a leading voice on the team and holds his teammates accountable along with himself to get through the toughest of workouts.
Entering the service, Fielding knew the importance of those who came before him to protect our country.
"It means a lot to me, all the people who have served in the past and the sacrifices they've made."
Someone who has made the last three and a half years of Fielding's service and studies more manageable, is Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine Chris Horschel. Horschel is a veteran of the United States Navy and was previously the cross-country athletic trainer.
"It was nice to hear someone who could relate to that and who has gone through that," said Fielding.
In addition to Horschel, Fielding has been able to find comfort in his assistant coach, Rachel Hamryka, who is an active member of the Navy. Hamryka and Fielding often miss practice and competitions due to their service commitments.
"It's nice to know that your staff allows you and supports you in doing this," said Fielding.
Hamryka serves as a Lieutenant Junior Grade Meteorology and Oceanography Officer in the Navy.
Hamryka grew up surrounded by the service while her dad was in the Navy, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan four different times. When Hamryka reflects on Veterans Day, she thinks of her dad and her family friends who have put themselves in harm's way and defended the United States.
The overlap between Hamryka's service and coaching career is much bigger than she could have ever realized.
Being an officer, Hamryka oversees a large group of sailors, many of them the same age as the athletes she coaches.
"I deal with very similar age groups that are in the same stage of life," said Hamryka.
The two have connected through their service, "talking about our different experiences, that's cool to do especially with your coach," Fielding stated.
The responsibilities sometimes overlap more than Hamryka would like. For example, last year she was required to go to training for a few months for her service. This would mean missing the outdoor track CAAChampionship after working with the team all season.
"I'd rather be there to give them a hug when they cross the finish line," Hamryka said, "but I think the value of what I'm able to do in both positions outweighs the time I'm away."
Players Mentioned
