Some athletes are all hype and no game. Some put forth little effort and expect everything. Some even accept free clothes and cars.

There seems to be a lack of true love for sports these days. Too many athletes are obsessed with everything but what makes sports really great: the pride one takes from a job well done, the adrenaline rush when the race is over, and just the sheer joy of competition.

You won't find a better example of an athlete who gives everything she has and who takes pride in all she does than Penn State women's track and field runner and team captain, Laurie "Foxy" Fox.

While in third grade, Fox was obsessed with racing. She raced at her bus stop before school. She took on all the little boys and beat them. She even had a manager who would keep track of her wins and set up new matchups.

This childhood obsession has turned into a lifelong pursuit.

"[Track] is my passion and has been the biggest part of my life since about eighth grade," Fox said. "I think when you find something that you love so much, it is bound to become a huge part of your life."

Now, Fox competes in the 100, 200 and 400-meter races as well as the 4-by-100 and 4-by-400m relay competitions, taking pride in every race. Fox has not been a superstar on the team, hasn't always been number one, but she has been a solid runner who adds to the depth of the team and is one to look to for a strong performance.

"Laurie's been a leader on the team for all four years that I've been here," said Penn State women's track and field coach Beth Alford-Sullivan. " She is just an overall ... just one of kind."

Fox, however feels that she has not hit her peak yet and in the past has felt frustrated by her performance.

"I did a lot of really great things in high school and came here with really high expectations," Fox said. "My first three years here were not even close to what I should be doing but this year I know that I'm stronger."

This drive to succeed and push herself to the next level should help Fox reach her goal this season of running like she had during her high school career.

And end her final season with the Lions knowing she did what she came to do.

"There isn't anything I take more pride in than competing for this school," Fox said.

During her time at Fort Collins H.S. in Colorado, Fox sprinted in the 100- and 200- meter dashes until the tenth grade, when her coaches put her in the 4-by-400m relay. Initially, Fox thought that she would never be able to run that far and she even cried when they told her she was competing in it. But after her first few races, she discovered that she had a natural talent for the event that would eventually earn her a spot on the Penn State team.

Fox had all the makings of all-star, being a two-time state champion and qualifying for Junior Olympic Nationals several years in a row, where she met future teammate and friend, Connie Moore. The two girls actually raced against each other in the 200, where Fox took fourth.

It soon became time for Fox to choose a college. Her interest in Penn State stemmed from parental influence at first, but when she came Fox felt that it was the best place for her.

"I told my mom I was going to go here," Fox said. "I just knew."

Now Fox is a senior going into her final meet on home turf for the Sykes-Sabok Challenge Cup this weekend, where she will face Big Ten competition.

"This is my last race and it is going to be mine so it should be a good test," Fox said. "I know there is a lot more in me."

She has her mind set on making this weekend count with the backing of her teammates. Long jumper, sprinter and friend Chi Chi Aduba has taken on the role as Fox's "personal motivator" this season.

"I definitely see her potential," Aduba said. "She's one of my best friends and I want to see her attack it this weekend."

Though the end is near Fox plans to continue with track and field even after graduation, but this time as a coach.

"I can't imagine a day without track and field in my life," Fox said.

She plans to attend graduate school either in Colorado or here at Penn State. She will graduate in May with a degree in English and an offer to return as an assistant coach with either track team. However, Fox seems to be leaning towards remaining at University Park.

"I love this team and genuinely love coming to practice each day and being with these girls," Fox said.

For Fox, track and field defines her; it runs through her veins and has brought her memory upon memory.

"I will miss the camaraderie of this team and how much fun we have," Fox said. "I will miss going on the bus for 10 hours even though we hate it and I will miss walking out on this track in my uniform."

"When I look back when I am 40 and 50 years old I'll remember the great times I had being a track athlete for Penn State."