Snyder runs her way to HOF
This is the sixth in a series of articles profiling the 2022 Butler County Sports Hall of Fame inductees
BUTLER TWP — Summer gym was just something to do — but it changed Danica Snyder’s life.
The 2011 Butler graduate decided to try running the mile during a summer gym activity leading into her junior high years.
“I was always an athletic kid,” she said. “I felt pretty good running it. A friend and I decided to try track and field in ninth grade. I loved it from the start.
“It is amazing to think about ... a fun activity like summer gym making such an impact on my life.”
Snyder loved it enough to break school records, go on to a record-breaking career at Duquesne University, and gain entrance into the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame. She will be inducted, along with 11 other individuals, at the BCSHOF’s annual banquet at 6 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Lyndora American Legion hall.
In Butler cross country alone, Snyder went on to qualify for four WPIAL and two PIAA championship meets. She won the team’s Outstanding Freshman Award, the Coach’s Award, two MVP honors and three Tri-Athlete Awards.
In track and field with the Golden Tornado, she qualified for the state meet as a member of Butler’s 4x800 relay, set the school record in the 1,600 meters with a time of 5 minutes, 6 seconds,and the 3,200 meters with a time of 11:08. She joined her teammates in setting the 4x800 relay record of 9:21.
“Setting the records in the mile and two-mile were exciting for me,” Snyder said. “My goals in high school were to break team records. Our (girls track) teams won back to back WPIAL championships and I remember that the most.
“The team wins were most satisfying because I got to share that happiness with others. We did it together.”
Snyder got to experience back-to-back league championships a second time in college. Running for Duquesne, the Dukes won consecutive Atlantic 10 cross country championships her freshman and sophomore years.
Snyder was named Atlantic 10 Cross Country Rookie of the Year her freshman season.
“Winning consecutive team titles in high school and college was so unique, such a blessing,” she said. “I don’t know how many people can say they experienced that.”
While at Duquesne, Snyder set the program record in the 3,000 steeplechase and the 3,000 meters. She nearly broke the mark in the 5,000 meters as well.
“I wanted that 5,000-meter record, but my prime goal was to get the steeplechase mark, since that was my main event in college,” she said.
Graduating from Duquesne in 2015 with a 3.54 grade point average and a degree in nursing, Snyder’s running career wasn’t over yet. She went on to win the female division of the Butler Road Race five consecutive years.
Now married, Snyder spent the last five years working as a nurse at PMC Passavant. Her husband’s work has taken him to Williamsbnurg, Va., where the family recently relocated.
“I’ve taken a break from running,” Snyder admitted. “I run after my 5-year-old now. That’s more than enough for the time being.
“I plan on getting back into competitive running at some point. I can see that in my future.”
As for entering the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame, she said: “I’m extremely humbled, definitely surprised. To go in with all of these incredible athletes ... I am very, very honored.”
Tickets for the banquet are $30 in advance and will soon be available at Parker Appliance in Chicora, Saxonburg Drug, the Butler Radio Network, Maddalon Jewelers in Zelienople and at www.bcshof.com. Tickets will be $35 at the door.
