Salute To Seniors: Danielle Turk - Oviedo High School

What was your most memorable race?

 

In cross country it was definitely regionals my senior year. I was the only one out of Oviedo to qualify out of districts, but I wasn't expected to get out of the region. I just went out and ran as hard as I could and left it all out there on the course and ended up placing 14th and qualifying for state. It was an awesome way to end my senior year track season. In track, it was state my sophomore year, when I was in the slow heat of the 800 and ended up placing 4th in the state.

 

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

 

As cliché as it sounds my biggest competition was myself. I had to work to constantly meet my expectations that I set for myself and I put in a lot of work to meet those expectations.

 

What was your greatest accomplishment?

 

My greatest accomplishment was making it to state all four years that I ran track and the three years that I ran cross country. Our team has gone through a lot each and every year, but being able to qualify for the state meet was something that I was very proud of.

 

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

 

I would've definitely ran cross country my freshman year. I didn't know about it going from middle school into high school and I would've loved to say that I ran cross country all four years of high school. Also, actually waking up to go to summer runs during the off-season.

 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

 

A big obstacle that I had to overcome was my mentality. My body was in shape for some amazing races, but I just had to get in the mindset that I was good enough and I was accurately prepared. I also had some knee problems that have been on and off throughout my junior and senior seasons, so getting through that was a pretty big obstacle for me.

 

What will you miss the most?

 

I will definitely miss my team. This past year I've made some really good friends and they've been my number one support system. I'll miss running with my best friend Sara, the ovaries, Big Booty Judys, goofing off during the team meetings, and even the bus rides to those early morning meets. I'll also miss running with my sister and brother, because they were my biggest cheerleaders and it was a really awesome experience to run with my siblings.

 

What advice you would give to younger athletes?

 

Have fun with it. Don't constantly be putting pressure on yourself, because when the time comes you will be ready to perform. Make cross country and track as enjoyable as possible because you'll meet some of the greatest people there and make some best friends.

 

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

 

Each of my coaches have had differing influences on my performance as well as my life goals. Coach Roseum taught me that I need to just have fun with running and “run like a freshman” as she liked to tell me all the time, and not take life too seriously. Coach Palmer taught me to just go out there and give it what I have and not worry about all my competition. Finally, Coach Hammontree taught me to run with a “smile on my face and a song in my heart” and that I should keep working at it and continue running for the joy of running. From what they've taught me through running I can apply it to the rest of my life.

 

What are your college plans?

 

I am going to the University of North Florida and running cross country and track. I plan on majoring in Exercise Science and then becoming a physical therapist and then minoring in art history.

 

Is there anyone you'd like to say thank you to?

 

I would like to thank my mom, Donna, for always being there for me in every race. No matter how early she had to get up she would always be there at the finish line cheering me on. I'd also like to thank my dad, Jerry, who always pushed me to perform better whenever I saw him on the course. I'd like to thank my coaches throughout the years for believing in me, and my brother Logan for playing cheerleader. Finally, I'd like to thank my sister Marissa for being my best friend and helping me through the tough times, supporting me no matter what, and for putting up with my gossip in the car.

 

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

 

Thank you to flrunners, all my friends and family, and Oviedo for supporting me these past four years. Go Lions and Go Ospreys!