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?
Kaira Simmons: My Most memorable moment was winning long jump my senior year.
FLR: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
FLR: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
KS: My biggest competitor over the years was definitely myself. Each week I'd have to go out there an do better than my last performance and having that in the back of my mind was what helped pushed me. Don't get me wrong there are people that did push me along the years, but as long as I'm improving my marks I wasn't worried about anything else.
FLR: What was your greatest accomplishment?
KS: My biggest accomplishment would have to be my PR in the 200 and PR in long jump.
FLR: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
KS: I'd definitely go back and change my mentality I had my freshman year with track. I didn't really start taking track seriously until my junior year because I also participated in other sports.
FLR: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
KS: The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was bouncing back after an event didn't go as plan.
FLR: What will you miss the most?
KS: I'm definitely going to miss my dysfunctional team. From our little arguments, to after practice going out to eat, or even making crazy videos at track meets, throughout the 4 years my teammates and coaches have definitely become my second family.
FLR: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
KS: would definitely tell them to enjoy it. Competing in track and field I've learned it's not always about winning, but about self improvement. As long as your improving and hitting the marks you should your on the right path.
FLR: What influences has your coach had with respect to your performance and over all life goals?
KS: Coach Freddie and Coach Kenny for example after practice would break down technique or send videos of what certain things should look like. And by them doing this it helped me be more aware of certain things while competing and helped me become a better athlete.
FLR: What are your college plans?
KS: My plans for college is attending the University of Mississippi on my track scholarship, and earning a degree is Psychology and Pre-Law.
FLR: Who would you like to say thank you to?
KS: I'd like to thank my mom for being my number 1 supporter. Also I'd like to thank my coaches. They have played a huge part in the athlete I am today and I'm forever grateful for having them as coaches. And lastly I'd like to thank my teammates. Days that I just wasn't in the right mind set or in the mood to practice they'd always find a way to help motivate me and make it through practice.
FLR: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
KS: To all the upcoming seniors, THIS IS YOUR YEAR! Don't let the outside world stop or throw you off your game. Surround yourself with people that are on the same mission as you. It's time to hit it and get it. Compete at every meet as if it is your last and give it your all. Good luck and handle business!
