What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable moment would obviously be my senior year. All four years I qualified for states. Freshman year was for 4x1 and 4x4, Sophomore year was just 4x4, Junior year when I moved schools i finally qualified for individual events which were long and triple jump and senior year again long and triple. Qualifying individually was harder than I expected. There were girls that were in the same situation as me if not better. Junior year I went home with no medals although I made it to finals in both events I was so close yet I had to work harder the following year. Senior year beginning of the season was rough due to minor injuries, but with the help of my coaches & teammates I got through it. Senior year at the state meet, my last high school meet, I went into the state meet ranked 16 out of 16 in long jump & 11 out of 16 in triple jump. By the end of the state series I came out 4th in long jump & 8th in triple, winning 2 medals for those events. The feeling was amazing, the looks on my coaches faces made the news even more meaningful because we worked hard to get where we were. I was thankful and the situation taught me that it's always about getting better.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I wouldn't say I had a biggest competition. But I would say my biggest competition year would probably be my freshman year. Although I've been running track since the 6th grade, high school track was a big change. I was adjusting to running with bigger people, people more fit, & people older than me, & track was way more serious than it was in middle school. It was hard being on a team with older girls who were already accustomed to the program but over time I adjusted to it & I'm happy with the experience.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would be making first team all-county. Last year I made second team & was grateful but not satisfied. I didn't find out I made first team until way after the season so I would rant to my coach about how I didn't do as great because I fell short of my goal. Little did I know I made first team & I'm beyond happy and grateful because that means I achieved my goal.
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 probably run track off season. The only reason I didn't do it was to prevent any injuries for the actual season, but the extra competitions would've helped. I would also meet more athletes outside of my school. Even though I met an abundant of people it would be nice to be friends with some I didn't get the chance to talk to.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
There were LOTS of difficult obstacles I faced running track. Things like injuries, moving situations, academics being my only priority sometimes made it hard for me to focus on track.
What will you miss the most?
I'll miss the team bondings, the bonds made with the coaches, the road trips, the jokes, and all the experiences we made. Track is the only sport where it's boys and girls, so you get to bond with both sex. The experiences will never be topped.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
To the younger athletes, I would tell them three things, enjoy every race, every jump, every throw, bond as much as you can, there's nothing like meeting athletes from different schools, and most importantly give it your 100 best.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches have had a huge influence with my performances and life goals. If it weren't for the one on one talks with Coach Jackson and Erickson after I did or didn't perform well at a meet, I don't know what I'd do. If it wasn't for Coach Josh's Collegiate and high school experiences I probably wouldn't even know what college I'd be going to right now. If it weren't for Coach Martin, Coach Murrillo, & Coach Sehzue's positive speeches I probably wouldn't perform the way I would love to every meet with as much confidence. And if it wasn't for Coach Halls I wouldn't be good & ready to jump in the most important meets with hm stretching & rolling my muscles out.
What are your college plans?
My college plans are to run track at Alabama A&M University, while pursuing a career in becoming an OBGYN. After college I still hope to run track if being a doctor doesn't interfere and vice versa.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
If like to thank my mom for supporting me 100%. Coach Evans, Coach Erickson, Coach Sehzue, Coach Josh, Coach Jackson, Coach Martin, & Coach Murillo. & all my teammates that I got to run & compete with. Track wouldn't mean as much if it weren't for them.
