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 race was the 2014 Cross Country State Finals. My team was made up of very young girls, so they were so excited to have qualified, and it meant a lot that I got to run with them at FSU. I had to overcome a lot that season both physically and mentally. When I crossed the finish line in 3rd, I felt like it had all been worth it.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Mackenzie Wilson has definitely been my biggest competition! We've been running together for years now. Since we are in the same district, region, and state classification, we always push each other to do our best. We also have shared lots of great long runs with very good, albeit random, conversations. I'm very lucky to have her as a friend and a competitor!
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was placing 3rd at the 2014 State Finals 3200, with a huge PR. I achieved my goal of breaking 11 minutes after working towards that all season. This time was under recruiting standards for my top choices for college, so I'm really thankful for the opportunities this race gave me!.
If you could do it all over, what would you have done different in your career?
I would've taken the time to appreciate each workout, run, and race, instead of stressing about my splits or my performance. I was lucky to be healthy for so many of them! I also would have focused less on how other were training or racing, and been happy with my own progress in training.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My senior year has been riddled with injuries. At the beginning of cross country, I had some alignment issues that was causing my left leg to cramp up, so I couldn't finish a few races at the beginning of the season. Then I had to deal with achilles tendonitis in the state series. Those injuries didn't take me out of running, but this past track season, I developed a tibial stress reaction right as the big invitationals started. I've had to deal with endless hours of cross training and a lot of frustration, but I've also learned a lot about smart training. Now, I know the importance of cutting out junk miles, being grateful for every run, and how effective cross training can be. Now that I can run again, I feel stronger than ever.
What will you miss the most?
I'm going to miss my team and my coaches the most! Even though the cross country team is really young, the girls were like little sisters to me. Watch out for Episcopal XC in the next few years, there are some super speedy middle schoolers! The track team is also filled with some really great friends. I don't think I'm going to miss the cold, windy, rainy meets at the beginning of track season, but I am going to miss the sense of camaraderie. Every one on the team watches almost every race, and it was so fun when we would gather at the end of a meet to cheer on our 4x4 teams.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
The only way to improve is through hard work. That being said, be patient and enjoy the process of training. Don't risk injury by pushing yourself past your reasonable limits, and listen to your body. Also, enjoy every race, even when you didn't PR or win. Even though a lot of nerves come on race day, remember that racing is the cumulation of all the hard work. Race day should be the most fun day of the week!
What influence has your coach had on your performance and overall life goals?
Pat Crandall and Charlie Hunt have been my coaches since I was a middle school girl running a 6 minute mile, but they have always given me attention and support. Both of them have taught me the importance of discipline and hard work. In last two years, Stacy Brunell has made such an impact on my life. With her tough workouts, I ran faster than I could've dreamed of two years ago. After breakthrough workout, she was just as excited as I was. Not only does she care greatly as my success as a runner, but she cares about me as a person as well. Throughout stress with college recruiting, injuries, and race nerves, she has been a mentor and a friend. I am going to miss all of them so much!
What are your college plans?
I will be running cross country and track for Princeton University. I am so excited to be part of such a great team, at a university with so many opportunities. Go Tigers!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank my family for being so supportive. My dad has only missed two track and XC meets in the past 3 years! I would like to thank my coaches and my team for having faith in me, when I didn't have much faith in myself. Also, I am grateful for the Bolles Team for letting me join them on long runs and pushing me in every race!
Seniors, don't be left out! Submit your Salute to Seniors answers to Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and be featured on the site!
