What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable moment was this year’s state track finals with my 4x800 relay team. We placed third overall after an intense race in the pouring rain, better than we ever did, along with breaking the school record.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Because of the rivalry between Olympia and Dr. Phillips, my biggest competition were the DP runners during cross country. For track, it was St. Thomas Aquinas, Lourdes and Ferguson because they are amazing runners that will help you get faster if you try to keep up with them!
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Throughout my senior season I had a mental block in the open 800m. I would run a split of 2:17 in the relay and struggle to run below a 2:30 in the open. When regionals came I told myself that it wouldn’t happened that way and ran 2:19 in the open. It was amazing knowing that I finally broke out of it.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would have ran the 800 from my freshman year since it is the distance that I truly love. Other than that, running in high school made me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I got a stress fracture on my hip my junior year at the beginning of the track season, so coming back that same year, making it to states and placing 4th was amazing and then not letting it become an excuse to not push as hard as before and PRing in all my events in track and in cross country, running a19:35, my senior year.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my teammates. No doubt! Especially my 4x800 team this year, Emily Headley, Briana Stokes and Olivia Piatkowski. I wouldn’t have been able to succeed without their constant encouragement and their tenacity for winning. I am so thankful to have had such amazing girls to run it with everyday.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Go out there and prove them wrong.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Williams, Coach Greer and Coach Dart made me the strong person I am today!. They always believed in me and expected nothing but my best each day. Together, they showed me that you have to go after your dreams and work hard to reach them. I have looked up to them along the way.
What are your college plans?
I will be running cross country and track at Florida Southern College. I plan on majoring in Bio, pre-med.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Thank you to my coaches and my family for always believing in me and supporting me every step of the way. Thank you to my teammates without which running would definitely not be as fun and for all the memories we created together. You guys are the best. Thank you to Briana Stokes for showing me the true meaning of teamwork. Without her I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I accomplished this year. Thank you for helping me believe that I am strong. You are such an amazing young lady. You impressed me this year with your speed, competitiveness and heart. I cannot wait to see what you do next year. Thank you to Rocco Zagra, for coming to every single one of my meets and being my biggest fan, you’re the best and I love you.
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