The 2014-2015 school year has provided some great highlights in both cross country and track across the Sunshine State. In the coming weeks many of our seniors will head out to start their college careers both athletically and academically. We wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature and say thank you for your support over the years.
Atlantic Coast senior and USF signee Chelsea Francis was the 4A runner-up in the 100m dash and was fifth in the 200m dash. She was the 4A Region 1 Champion in both events and anchored the 4x100m relay team to victory, while helping her squad pick up the team trophy. Over her high school career she clocked personal bests of 11.55 and 23.77 in the 100 and 200m dash respectively.
What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable race was the 4x1 relay at state my freshman year.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition over the four years would have to be Diamond Spaulding, Kaylin Whitney, and Krystal Sparling .
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was becoming the state runner up in the 100m at the 4A state championship during my senior season.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I wouldn't change a thing to be honest. My team was and still is my family and there were so many life lessons and obstacles that we all tackled together as a unit
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Learning how to loose, not just physically, but mentally. Your so head strong about getting the win, but some days may not be your best and you have to learn to have good sportsmanship and know that sometimes you may have an off day
What will you miss the most?
The laughs and the prayers before the relays and individual races, and the road trips and pre-meet practices where we really all come together and clicked.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
To all my younger athletes stay head strong about what you believe in . Don't ever let somebody tell you that you can't or you never will or your not there yet. If you want it go get it, the sky is the limit . You get back as much as you out in and always remember champions aren't made on race day. They are made in practice!
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach has been a huge influence as a role model, a mentor, and a coach . Someone in your corner who you know truly wants the best for you and is sincere at heart.
What are your college plans?
As I go on to the University of South Florida my plans are to turn my whole school program around, revamp, and put my school on the map.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to all my coaches , all my friends and family as well as my supporters. Thank you guys for never letting me give up and encouraging me and seeing something in me that I didn't even see in myself.
Seniors, don't be left out! Submit your Salute to Seniors answers to Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and be featured on the site!
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