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 4X800m relay team was competing in the 4A Regionals at Wharton High School and our heat was stacked. We were running against Steinbrenner and Wharton, two of the fastest relays in the state. I am first leg. As we start the second lap, Wharton, myself, and Steinbrenner are all very tight, when the Steinbrenner girl tries to cut inside and we both go down. My head hit the track, her head hit the track, I got up, and she didn't. I still split a 2:26 and my team and I finished 2nd advancing to states.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My teammates. Jen Lima, Erica Lersch, Sabrina Siegel, and Julia Siegel, all pushed me incredibly hard. It was always our goal in practice to beat each other and to make each other better for race day.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was competing in the 4A State Finals
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I joined track my senior year. I'm a collegiate bound soccer player and began track to stay in shape, then I fell in love with it. If I could do it over again, I'd start my freshman year.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Throughout the season, I dealt with a lot of family problems. Running was sort of my escape. I won't go into detail, but when things with my family were hard, running was easy.
What will you miss the most?
My teammates. They have all taught me so much. As a rookie track athlete in my senior year, they showed me what track was about. They taught me how to work harder, be stronger, and to be mentally tough beyond belief. Along the way, these girls became my best friends and I thank them for that.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
To younger athletes: Never underestimate the power of your mind and body. If you have the right mentality and you treat your body right, they'll never fail you. Before I run each day, I read a chapter out of Og Mandino's "The Greatest Salesman in the World" and in the chapter, Mandino writes "Persist until you succeed. If you persist, you will win". Persist always.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
The coaching staff at East Llake had a tremendous impact on my performance. Coach Britt Taylor, Dave Smith, and Lora Lewis pushed us hard, and made sure we got results on meet day. I look up to each and every one of them.
What are your college plans?
I have accepted a D1 Scholarship to play soccer at the United States Naval Academy.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank my teammates. I owe each one of them so much. They showed me what true hard work looked like, and true courage looked like. My teammates are fearless and strong, and I wish them all the best.
Seniors, don't be left out! Submit your Salute to Seniors answers to Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and be featured on the site!
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