What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was during my junior year at the FSU Relays in 2012. There was a tough field with some of the fastest runners in the state of Florida and our 4 x 800 relay team won big. I ran a really fast and smart opening leg that day to help position my speedy team members for victory. It was a great feeling I will never forget.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Our Lakewood Ranch running teams have been loaded with great runners since my freshman year with Olivia Ortiz, Kristin Zarrella, Ashley Platt, Devin McDermott, Michelle Last, etc. My biggest competitions were my friends and fellow team members on the bus with me. Also, the girls teams from Chiles, Estero and Ft. Myers have been very tough over the years.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
I think every race holds special memories. Some are great and others are to be used for improvement. My two greatest accomplishments would be winning the 4 x 800 relay at the Florida 3A Track State Championships in 2012 with Olivia, Kristen and Devin. I was really proud of our 9:14 time and setting new school record as well. Also, being part of our cross country Team that finished 2nd, 2nd, 3rd and 5th in the Florida 3A State Championships over the past four years. Coach Thomas is an amazing inspiration and leader who has dedicated decades to working with high school runners.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to over come was making the decision to cut short the very end of my track seasons in 2011 and 2013, in order to rest and rehab a tight IT band and avoid injury. I had to learn to accept that running with an injury is not smart and sometimes rest and rehab is the best course of action to ensure you can perform at 100% again. As a result, I am 100% again and training hard for the 2013 cross country season at the University of South Florida.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss all the great times with my team, coaches, family and friends. High School running teams are so close and become a big part your life. I loved that couple minutes just before the race gun goes off when our cross country team would be laughing away the stress. Iam missing Ashley, Michelle, Julia, Kristin, Olivia, Katy and Elizabeth already.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Go ahead and try out for your schools running teams and get started. I didn’t really start running or training until my freshman year of high school, so it is never too late. Also, learn to run for the “joy of running” and you will reach your true potential and have fun doing it.
What are your college plans?
I am so excited to have been invited to run track and cross country with the “Bulls” at the University of South Florida starting this fall. USF is now part of the new American Athletic Conference (AAC) which is composed of top-notch schools and collegiate athletes. I plan to pursue my undergraduate degree in Business Economics and then attend law school.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
A special thanks to my family who has always believed in me and supported me in all things. A special thanks to Coach George, Coach Thomas, Coach Quinn, Coach Napier, Coach Littlejohn, Coach Rehnquist and Coach Bratton for helping me grow as a runner, student and person.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I am so excited to be part of the USF Bulls running teams and reaching new levels of success with my new team members and friends. HORNS UP, BULLS!
