The 2015-2016 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.
Flrunners.com: What was your most memorable race/moment?
Shannon Grace: My most memorable moment was at my last cross country conference meet. I had just ran the race alongside Nicolette Worrell and we both came through the finish line with a PR. I ran straight to her arms and neither of us could stop smiling.
FLR: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
FLR: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
SG: My biggest competition throughout high school was myself. Most of the time I had not felt confident enough in myself to go after my goals and was too afraid to set large goals.
FLR: What was your greatest accomplishment?
SG: My greatest accomplishment was learning to believe in myself senior year. After various injuries and constant fear of them returning, I finally allowed myself to break through the mental of being held back
FLR: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
SG: I would not worry as much about letting myself and others down, but focus on my goals and my work.
FLR: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
SG: Injuries and patience. I never believed that I would consider quitting cross country until I got injured. I spent my summer junior year determined to qualify for the cross country state meet and I did everything I could to get myself there. However, right before the state series began, I found it nearly impossible to run due to ITBS. I found myself feeling as if I would not come back from the injury, as if all of my hard work was for nothing and that it would always be that way. Once I finally got my mind straight I had to take about a month and a half off of my summer training senior year due to another injury. This time though, I was not going to allow it to hold me back. I did everything I could between swimming for hours on end and biking to ensure my spot at the state meet.
FLR: What will you miss the most?
SG: I will miss the early morning adventures at Clermont and cheering on our guys team after each of my races.
FLR: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
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SG: Do not give up. Things will be hard, you will want to quit, you might even get hurt. It is worth it. Put in the work and watch it all pay off.
FLR: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
SG: All three of my coaches have shaped me into not only the athlete I am, but the person I am. Coach Rivera has taught me how important a positive attitude is to reach my goals and to never give up. Coach Finke has helped me realize that the only barriers set up for me are the ones I put up for myself and that the only way to accomplish them is to face my fears. Coach Bell helped me realize when I needed to focus and when to worry about something and when not to. All three of you have helped me more than you will ever know over these past few years and I am internally grateful.
FLR: What are your college plans?
SG: I will be running and studying elementary education at Florida Atlantic University.
FLR: Who would you like to say thank you to?
SG: I want to start with thanking my parents for their endless support and running shoes. For waking up early to come to my races and understanding when I was hardly home because it was cross country season. I want to thank the teammates I have had throughout the years. Each of them has helped me grow into the person that I am and left me with heartfelt memories. To all of the girls that were not only competition, but are now friends. I can not wait to see where God takes you in life and I am going to miss warming up and cooling down with you guys. To my coaches for putting up with my silly self and helping me conquer my fears. You all have taught me so much about myself and the life I have to come. To my school friends, thank you for letting me talk about running even if you have no idea what I am saying and for sitting at track meets hours on end even though I told you I thought I would run 30 minutes ago. Lastly, I want to thank God for allowing me to live the amazing life I have and giving me the ability to run.
FLR: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
FLR: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
SG: I want to give a shoutout to my dog for knowing that when I say "walk" I really mean long run.
