What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was during my junior year, the 2011 Cross Country 3A State Finals, held at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City. It was a race with a very competitive field with some of the fastest runners in the state. It was a day I will never forget, as I was blessed to become a State Champion for the first time in my high school career.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Florida is filled with talent and great competition, especially Class 3A. My goal was to always take each race one race at a time and focus on my own race, rather than all the tough competition. By the end of each season, the state series always had tremendous competition on the biggest stages.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would be qualifying for Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego my junior year. It was an honor to have the opportunity to meet some of the nation’s top distance runners and experience running the Balboa Park course. The experience was the highlight of my high school career which I will always remember. It was an incredible opportunity to be part of the South Region Team with Bridget Blake and Lily Williams.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to over come was fracturing my femur at the 2011 Class 3A State Track Meet in the 3200m race only 50m from the finish. It was a life changing event that only made me a stronger person which allowed me to learn the value of patience and rely on my faith. With all the incredible resources around me, the right doctors and physical therapists, I was able to heal and recover. Even though I missed my senior cross country season and the majority of my track season, I was blessed to be able to compete in the 2012 Class 3A State Track Meet; same race, same track, one year later. I was not prepared to compete at the state level, the way I would have liked, but to get back and finish the 3200m race on the same track was an invaluable accomplishment for me. It was an emotional day to say the least, with my family and coach at the finish, but the best way to end my high school career considering the circumstances. The year long journey was not an easy one, but I had to work through it to get back to my passion.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my team, my coaches, and all of the memories I have made being apart of Lakewood Ranch athletics. My teammates became family to me, and I would do anything for them. 
Also, I will greatly miss the community of high school runners and coaches; and all the amazing people I have met around the state of Florida and beyond. We all compete on the course or track, but when the races are done, we create friendships we will always remember.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Never give up on your passion, and hard work always pays off in the end. No matter how hard you get knocked down, stay determined and don’t let anything stand in your way. It’s the difficult times that make you stronger. Life is a journey full of ups and downs; embrace all the ups and learn from the downs. Most of all, cherish all your high school moments and remember to have fun because the four years go by way too fast!
What are your college plans?
I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to run cross country and track for the University of Alabama. I plan on focusing on a major in the School of Communication. I am so excited to see what my future holds as part of the Crimson Tide family. Roll Tide!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to, first and foremost, God for giving me the ability to run. I am forever grateful for my parents and younger sister, Julia, who are by my side in everything I do. A big thank you to Coach Napier for being such an incredible and supportive coach throughout my high school career, and most of all, for believing in me. A huge thank you to flrunners.com for providing endless content and giving me the honor to blog and help write content throughout my high school career and recovery. The opportunity has meant so much to me! Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to the entire Florida running community for being so supportive, encouraging and kind to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
There is always something to be grateful for. Roll Tide!
More Coverage
Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2013 on all their hard work and success.
