What was your most memorable race?My favorite race was definitely my regional track meet at TFA my junior year. It was my 17th birthday, and I placed second in both the mile and two mile. I ran a 5:09 mile and right after that an 11:11 3200m. I remember my competition singing Happy Birthday to me before the mile race as we were lined up to register, and my teammates belting it out towards the end of the meet. I ran two amazing races and was surrounded by amazing, caring runners. I’ll never forget how pumped I was that night.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was breaking Trinity Prep’s 1600m, 3200m, and 5000m records stand out as a pretty cool accomplishment to me. Also, I medaled six times at state throughout my high school career. Anytime I stood on the podium was memorable.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My biggest hurdle was psychologically handing my senior track season. I had set goals at running camp over the summer for my last year, and was determined to reach them. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. The entire track season my abdomen was hurting me. No doctor could figure out why, and the pain was continually attributed to food allergies. It was extremely frustrating not hitting my times in practice, and running slower and slower times every meet. I kept thinking I could turn my season around, but when a 20cm cyst was discovered and required surgery, my high school running career ended. It was heartbreaking having full abdominal surgery the week before districts my senior year. That was not how I had imagined ending my year. But thankfully I’m fully recovered now!
What will you miss the most?
I will miss both my teams. Cross Country at Trinity is filled with dedicated, knowledgeable, enthusiastic (insane) athletes, all of whom I’m proud to call my teammates. Honestly, I’ll miss the running, but I’ll also miss the random things like Denny’s after Clermont, smacksgiving, Flagler adventures, domination at Brevard Distance Runners Camp, Fat Girl Challenges, P3RK, and some harmless but hilarious pranking.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
I would say to have fun with your high school running career! It goes by really quick, so enjoy everything from easy runs with your teammates to the thrill of the starting line at the state meet. Also, don't be afraid to tell your coach if something hurts (it'll only help you in the long run).
What are your college plans?
I will be running cross country and track at Tufts University. I am not going to lie, I’ve never run on an indoor track before, so that should be interesting. Go Jumbos!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank my parents for being so supportive. Also, Coach Williams, Chappy, and Coach Dean are all amazing coaches, and I’m going to miss them so much next year. Finally, I want to thank the team. Everyone’s sheer love of running, die-hard work ethic, and crazy hilarious attitudes were infectious, and I never could’ve accomplished what I did without TPXC. Good luck next year in 2A!
