Alyssa Drendel of Hickory, North Carolina, is no stranger to a challenge. The senior, double majoring in marketing (sales track) and management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, wakes up every day at 5:30 a.m. to run nine miles, all before a full day of classes, studying and work.
Since taking up marathon running in 2024, Drendel, who will graduate in May, has pushed her limits beyond what she thought possible, from the miles she has run to what she has accomplished as a student.
Accomplishment and Purpose
Drendel ran in high school, but never as an endurance sport, and she dropped the hobby when she came to UT. When she felt unsure about her future during her junior year, she decided to take it up again.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do and had a lot on my mind, so I decided to start running again to give myself time to think,” she says. “I started noticing a different side of myself — my work ethic, how driven I was. So many qualities emerged that I hadn’t seen before.”
She went on to run her first half marathon in November 2024, followed by her first full marathon in February 2025. Monumentally, Drendel completed the Boston, New York and Tokyo marathons. She’s not stopping there, though.
“I just finished my first sprint triathlon against my dad and brother,” says Drendel. “It was super fun. I’m testing all the endurance sports to see which one’s my favorite.”
Drendel enjoys endurance sports because they give her ample time for self-reflection, and the sense of accomplishment keeps her motivated.
“Boston qualifying was huge for me because I didn’t think that was possible,” she says. “It makes me realize all the hard work and time I put in are worth it. Getting to race and prove that my training paid off makes me proud. I feel accomplished and like I have a bigger purpose.”
Motivation Beyond Running
According to Drendel, her athletic drive translates to her academic life.
“I was in a slump, but once I started running again, I started accomplishing goals for running, academics and my future career,” she explains. “If I can get through a marathon, I can study for an exam and get an A.”
She originally pursued marketing because she loves the digital aspect of the discipline but quickly found a passion for sales.
“I’m a people person; I like talking and meeting new people and that led me to sales,” she says.
Drendel combined her drive and interest in sales during a Nashville internship with Pepsi the summer before her senior year.
“It felt like racing,” she quips. “I was competitive, set goals and went after them.”
An Inspirational Resolve
Distinguished lecturer Cindy Raines, who taught Drendel in an undergraduate marketing course, believes that the graduating senior’s grit encourages others.
“Alyssa leads by example with a level of discipline and determination that inspires those around her,” says Raines. “She has built something that goes beyond personal achievement, encouraging others, especially young women, to believe in themselves and push past their limits. Her resilience and confidence make her a powerful and authentic role model.”
Lauren Fuller, Drendel’s roommate and a senior majoring in finance and marketing from Orange County, California, agrees.
“I’ve had a front-row seat to Alyssa’s journey,” says Fuller. “What stands out most is her discipline and resilience. No matter how tired she is, she continues to show up for her academics, her training and the people around her with nothing but grace.”
When she reflects on where she gets her drive, Drendel admits it’s a family trait.
“My family is probably the most competitive you’ll ever meet,” she laughs. “I’ll tell my dad I have a long run tomorrow, and he’ll say, ‘I’ll bike with you.’ Then my brother says, ‘I’m going to the gym too.’ It’s not a competition, but somehow it always is.”
Success on Her Terms
Drendel is a member of Haslam’s American Marketing Association chapter and participated in one of its semester-long, experiential learning opportunities. Her group collaborated with a Nashville marketing company to redesign its website and build its social media presence. She’s also a member of the college’s Professional Sales Club, and she believes Haslam’s extracurriculars help students achieve their goals.
“They are outlets to meet people with similar goals,” Drendel explains. “I met a lot of people in the Professional Sales Club, which helped with my Pepsi internship, as one of my fellow interns was also part of that club. It’s nice having people who understand and can help.”
Beyond student organizations, Haslam’s many resources and connections have helped Drendel start her sales career. She gained her Pepsi internship through the college’s career fair and turned that into a full-time job with the beverage giant, which she will begin after graduation.
“Haslam has genuinely set me up for success because of all the resources available,” she says. “The college has given me so many opportunities to make connections and get a job.”
With graduation and a new career around the corner, Drendel is quick to ground herself and define her own version of success.
“I just want to be proud of myself,” she says. “Success isn’t about money. It’s about knowing I worked hard, had goals and achieved them.”
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Contact:
Leah McAmis, senior editor, leah@utk.edu
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