The 2014-2015 school year has provided some great highlights in both cross country and track across the Sunshine State. In the coming weeks many of our seniors will head out to start their college careers both athletically and academically. We wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature and say thank you for your support over the years.
What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable moment would be my sophomore year at the Cross Country Finals when I broke 20 minutes for the first time (19:53) and the track state championships making it in the 800 (2:21).
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
The Eastlake girls. They are some of my best friends, but I wouldn't have been able to do all I did without such great competition.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Running a 19:53 sophomore year and placing 33rd overall at the state meet.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could do it all over again, I would enter the larger races to get a better experience and to race more often against my competitors.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Throughout my four years of running in high school, my biggest obstacle was having a total of 13 coaches. It was difficult to keep a training plan and having each coach let me continue with it, without much change. An injury (torn peroneal tendon and multiple ligaments in my ankle) was tough, but only made me stronger. Lastly, training with the guys team was a challenge. With the increased mileage and speed I had to make sure I didn't get injured. It was such an amazing obstacle to overcome because it transformed and strengthened me and my mindset.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the feeling of giving it my all with my best friends and biggest competitors on the course along with the nerves before a race and excitement afterwards the most. Race days are such a special exhilarating feeling that could never be forgotten along with the bonds you build with your team.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
I would tell the younger athletes to never give up! No matter how tough times get, if you continue to put in the work day in and day out and keep a positive and strong mindset you will succeed. Don't over think it. Running is such a big part of my life but it's also such a fun experience. Don't waste all the nerves freaking out over a race; you'll have teammates with you along the way. Everyone has a bad race, Ut's what makes you better and hungry for more.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
As I had a plethora of coaches, three of them influenced me the most. Neither of them were my coach this year yet they still proceeded to provide encouragement whenever it was needed. They were everything and anything you could have wanted in a coach. Time went on and they had more to deal with, but they continued to always be there not only as a coach but as a friend.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending the United States Coast Guard Academy, reporting in this summer.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to all my family, friends, teammates, coaches and competitors. I'd like to give a special thanks to Coach Heather Nicolosi for all the support, encouragement, and lessons for running and life in general. Our pre/post race talks, countless workouts and memories of success add to an irreplaceable bond that could never be broken.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
High school was a long four years, but at the same time it went by quick. Without running, high school wouldn't have been the same. I was recently named the Pinellas County Female Athlete of the Year and as I played multiple sports, I can't give enough thanks to the sport of running itself. It teaches life lessons as well as how important mentality and perseverance are to any sport. I've met some of my best friends through running and I'd recommend cross country and track to anyone.
“Never let defeat have the last word."
Seniors, don't be left out! Submit your Salute to Seniors answers to Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and be featured on the site!
More Coverage