Rachel Sandra Apa

Rachel Sandra Apa set goals and met them without fail. With determination, discipline, and a heart fully committed to whatever she pursued, she always found her way to the finish line. On Sunday, November 1, 2026, after running 24 miles at an incredible pace and with a grin that stretched ear to ear, the only thing strong enough to physically stop her body met Rachel on 85th Street. Her spirit was so powerful and full of vitality that not even her body could contain it.

Rachel was strong-willed and naturally took charge. But alongside that strength was a tender, attentive heart. She always knew how to take care of her friends and family before they did. From that overflow of love, she remembered the details that made gifts meaningful and lifted people up, because she knew what made each person special. Her kindness radiated through her thoughtful, beautiful eyes.

One of her strongest passions was for animals. Whether it was her own pet or a wild animal in need, Rachel’s instinct was to love, nurture, and protect God’s creatures. Her dogs were her forever children. Cooking was one of her love languages, but don’t get in her way. There was no room for nonsense. She created a cookie recipe so perfect it had to be thrown away for the sake of our health.

At just 24, Rachel had already accomplished so much and given those who knew her countless reasons to be proud. She moved through the world with purpose, always setting high expectations for herself. Intelligent, charismatic, athletic, and beautiful, she used the gifts God gave her in everything she touched. She graduated from Red Land High School in 2020 at the top of her class and excelled in field hockey, earning recognition among MAX Field Hockey’s Top 50 players in the nation during her junior year. She continued her academic and athletic pursuits at Bucknell University, graduating magna cum laude while competing on the university’s Division I field hockey team. She was a hard charger in every sense: driven, disciplined, and always willing to put in the work. Sports were just one way she showed that spirit, but her dedication touched every part of her life.

Independent and looking to start a new chapter, Rachel had recently moved to Charleston, SC, where she worked as a product manager at TE Connectivity while pursuing her MBA at Charleston Southern University (CSU).

Rachel brought something distinctly her own to every team, every challenge, and every relationship. While most of us are defined by our goals and achievements, it would be considerably more accurate to say that Rachel defined everything she did. Her drive came from many places, but her family and her faith were always at the center.

Some people walk this earth with the true essence of life within them: a brighter spark, a stronger will, a desire to reach out and take what they know is theirs, and a belief in themselves that triumphs over fear. Rachel was one of those people. May her life’s journey inspire you and give you the courage to live truthfully and fully.

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!” Luke 1:19

Surviving Rachel are her parents, Stephen and Michelle (Kastre) Apa of Lewisberry, PA; brothers, Dominic Apa and Anthony Apa; and grandparents, Judith Krebs and Ruth Apa. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Armand Apa, Sr.

Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, and all are welcome to join her friends and family.

The Rachel Apa Foundation has been created to educate people about the little-known condition that doctors believe killed her, rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo). We want to ensure athletes know about this danger, that no other family suffers a loss like this, and keep Rachel’s memory alive forever. Beyond education, we hope to advocate for rapid on-course medical care at endurance races and support athletes carrying Rachel’s spirit across finish lines everywhere. Our family would love your help honoring her and building a lasting legacy that makes an impact.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to The Rachel Apa Foundation.