Salute To Seniors: Kelsey Warren - New Smyrna Beach High School

 

What was your most memorable race/moment?

 

One of my most memorable moments would have to winning the 4x4 at districts this year and moving on to regionals. My whole team PR'd and we were ranked 6th and we won by a good two meters! 

 

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

 

My biggest competition would probably be myself. I really get into my own head sometimes and that makes races really tough.

 

What was your greatest accomplishment?

 

My greatest accomplishment is after everything I have been through the last four years I reached my goal of being able to run cross country and track in college on a running scholarship. 

 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

 

My most difficult obstacles would have to be battling all of my injuries. Through cross country, track and even soccer I have been injured multiple times and fighting through them have been very difficult especially my senior year being my worst injury. I tore two ligaments in my ankle which really hurt my senior cross country season, I was trying to get a running scholarship so being hurt made it one tough year, but I was able to overcome my injury and had a pretty good track season and right now I am injury free!

 

What will you miss the most?

 

I will miss my team the most. No team will ever compare to New Smyrna Beach High School's cross country team. All four years, people come and people go, coaches come and coaches go, but no matter who has been on this team with me we have always been one big family and I cherish that and couldn't be more thankful for the people I have had the opportunity to be on a team with.

 

What advice would you give to younger athletes?

 

My biggest advice would be to work hard, don't complain, listen to your coaches, have fun, get along with your teammates, and enjoy the time you have to be a part of your team. To me cross country and track are the best thing I have ever been involved in and although I will be running in college I can't  believe high school is over. Looking back my best memories and times come from running and believe it or not it made high school go quick and made it more fun. Without it I wouldn't be the person I am now. Running is such a great sport and I think sticking with it is a really great thing for anyone.

 

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

 

I have had a few different coaches over the years, but each one of them means so much to me and I am so grateful for them. They taught me pain, they taught me how to enjoy the sport, they taught me what hard work and dedication is, they have always done whats best for me and have helped me so much to be where I am today, I have learned a lot and have been influenced to continue to run for as long as I physically am able too thanks to my coaches.

 

What are your college plans?

 

I plan to attend the University of South Carolina Upstate to study Sports and Exercise Science in hopes of transferring  to USC Columbia to earn my masters degree in Physical Therapy. I will also happily be running on the cross country and track team at USC Upstate.

 

Who would you like to say thank you to?

 

I would like to thank God, my friends, coaches, teammates, family but most importantly my mom. I couldn't have done anything without the help and support from my number one fan, my mother. From the 5am Saturday mornings, the constant doctor visits, the car rides to races all over the state, to the tears of pain and the tears of joy, my mom has always been right by my side and I couldn't be more thankful for such a wonderful woman.