The sound of running shoes striking the asphalt echoes through the empty lanes of the track.
Sterlin Broomfield watches as his runners push themselves, each stride an embodiment of the discipline, determination and resilience that has marked his own life.
It’s a quiet moment, but one filled with the kind of meaning that only comes from years of overcoming adversity. Broomfield’s journey from an underdog athlete to head coach at Northwestern is as much about the lessons he’s learned along the way as it is about the lives he now shapes as head coach.
His story stretches beyond the track, grounded in deep personal loss, his commitment to service and the unshakable belief that true leadership is about helping others become the best versions of themselves.
Early Life and Motivation
Coach Broomfield’s roots trace back to Dodge City, Kansas, a place that shaped his early experiences and instilled in him the work ethic he would carry into every aspect of his life.
While he often identifies with Wichita, Kansas because of his recruitment out of the city, it was in Dodge City where he learned that hardship was something that should be overcome, not avoided.
Raised in a home where his father fought physical disabilities but always found a way to provide for the family, Broomfield was taught from an early age the value of resilience.
“Growing up, we didn’t always have everything we needed,” Broomfield said. “At one point, we didn’t have water or electricity. My dad did everything he could to make sure we had what we needed. Those struggles taught me a lot about resilience and resourcefulness.”
When Broomfield lost his mother, it was a devastating blow that reshaped his life. Despite the deep grief, he understood that running was his ticket to a better future.
“I knew that if I wanted to go to college, I had to excel at running,” he said. “I had no choice but to succeed—both academically and athletically.”
In the face of such loss, Broomfield still showed up for track practice the day after his mother passed away.
“My coaches were shocked, but I knew I had to keep going. Track was my way out,” Broomfield said.
From Athlete to Coach
Broomfield’s path to coaching wasn’t a straight line.
After excelling in high school track, he earned a scholarship to run at Northwestern, where he pursued a degree in business administration.
However, coaching came into his life unexpectedly in 2016, when he first started coaching.
“I started as an assistant coach here at Northwestern, and at the time, I didn’t think I was going to go into coaching,” Broomfield said. “I was planning to go into business, but coaching gave me the chance to impact people’s lives in a way that I never expected.”
What began as a uninticipated path quickly developed into a quiet calling.
As an assistant coach, Broomfield not only worked with athletes but also served as a mentor to first-generation, low-income and Native American students through his work with Trio Student Support Services.
“I was helping students who were far from home and needed a guide, much like I did when I was younger,” he said. “That sense of responsibility of showing up for others is something that really changed the way I viewed my role as a coach.”
In 2022, after several years as a volunteer coach and assistant track coach, Broomfield was named the head coach at Northwestern.
His leadership style, rooted in mentorship and personal development, quickly became evident.
“Being a coach isn’t just about winning races—it’s about shaping individuals, helping them grow not just as athletes but as people,” he said.
Life Lessons and Leadership
Broomfield’s leadership is deeply influenced by his own experiences with mentors, particularly a pivotal moment in high school. After suffering a high ankle sprain from a basketball injury, he was unsure about his future, however, a conversation with his coach at the time left a lasting impact.
“He told me he believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself,” Broomfield recalled. “That kind of trust and belief is what I try to give to my athletes now. Sometimes, you need someone to believe in you more than you believe in yourself.”
Growing up, Broomfield developed a strong work ethic through early jobs, including working as a paperboy at age 12.
“Delivering papers taught me that no matter what the weather was like—whether it was freezing cold or scorching hot—you have a job to do and you do it,” he said. “It was about building character, and I carried that lesson into everything I do now, especially coaching.”
His leadership philosophy extends beyond just athletic performance. He views his role as both a coach and a mentor, often acting as a father figure to athletes who are far from home.
“When they’re away from home, you’re their father figure, their mentor. You’re the one they lean on, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously,” Broomfield said.
Family, Resilience and Growth
In addition to his professional achievements, Broomfield balances his role as a father and fiancé. He and his fiancée, whom he met through a mutual friend at Northwestern, got engaged in January 2024.
Despite his initial reluctance toward marriage, Broomfield credits his fiancée with teaching him the power of partnership.
“I never thought I would get married,” he said. “But she’s someone I can always count on. When things go wrong, she’s there. When my car battery dies, she’s the one who’ll help without hesitation.”
His children, ages 10 and 11, are also a significant influence in his life and work.
“When I’m home, I’m a dad first,” Broomfield said. “I cook, clean, do laundry and make sure they see that work ethic. They need to know that even when life gets hard, you have to show up, you have to do your part and you have to take care of those who rely on you.”
Advice for the Next Generation
When asked what advice he would offer to the next generation, Broomfield emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-belief.
“Don’t let your circumstances define you,” he said. “Your path might not always be smooth, but it’s how you respond to challenges that shapes who you are. And when you have the chance to lift someone else up, do it. We rise by lifting others.”
His success is evident not only in his own achievements but in those of his athletes, like James Fincher, who led the cross-country team to Conference and Regionals after Broomfield gave him a chance.
Fincher said Broomfield believed in him when others probably would not have and that Broomfield’s trust in him helped lead to his success.
“What sets Broomfield apart is his ability to invest in his athletes’ growth, both on and off the track, and turn self-doubt into confidence,” said head women’s track and field coach, Jill Lancaster. “He is always willing to listen and adapt to each individual’s needs. His commitment to their development and it’s clear that his athletes respect him deeply.”
A Team Built on Trust
Two key figures in the Northwestern cross-country and track programs, assistant coach, Emily Flores and head coach, Derick Young Jr., both reflected on Coach Broomfield’s evolution as a leader. Flores, who once ran under Broomfield, describes their relationship as athlete and coach as a seamless transition into their current roles as colleagues.
“We clicked right away as athletes and coaches,” she said. “Even now, I feel like he’s still a dad figure to me, always checking in to make sure I’m doing okay, both personally and professionally.”
Flores credits Broomfield with instilling the importance of transparency and discipline.
“He was always clear about expectations—whether it was running, grades or personal development,” she said. “He’s a big advocate for time management, and I’ve carried that lesson into my own coaching.”
Young, who has worked closely with Broomfield, echoes the sentiment.
“Our success is built on teamwork,” he said. “Whether it’s managing training loads or strategizing for individual athletes, we’re always in sync. It’s about collaboration, not competition.”
A Vision for the Future
The collaboration between Broomfield, Flores and Young has been key to the success of the cross-country and track programs.
“The success we’re seeing now is just the beginning,” Flores said. “We’re laying the foundation for even greater things in the future. And it’s because of the teamwork, the leadership and the dedication that Broomfield brings every single day.”
Broomfield said his ultimate goal remains the same: to create an environment where athletes thrive, both in track and in their lives.
