Union University Athletics

Janey Berends ran cross country at Union for four seasons from 2014-17. She was a key member of Union’s first Gulf South Conference Championship team after moving to the league in 2014. 

Berends helped lead Union to the GSC Title in 2014, Union’s first year in the league, and again in 2016. She also helped Union to a couple of top-3 region finishes and two trips to the NCAA D2 National Championship Meet. 

Over her four years, Berends was named first team All-GSC three times and second team All-GSC once. She was a four-time All-South Region selection. 

Academically, she was named GSC All-Academic three times and GSC Honor Roll four times. She earned the Fulbright Grant and earned one of the highest honors in the GSC as a Commissioner’s Top 10 selection. 

In 2020, Berends was selected to the GSC All-Decade Team in women’s cross country. 

Since graduating from Union, Berends spent 2019 in Peru on the Fulbright Grant, teaching university English. Since 2020, she has been living in Grand Rapids, Michigan close to family. She has been working at a fundraising consulting firm that helps Christian non-profits build a sustainable future through legacy giving. 

Berends still enjoys running as a hobby, participating in a weekly running club and local road races. She won first place in two 5Ks in 2024.