Salute To Seniors: Shelby Davidson - Cocoa Beach
What was your most memorable race?
Katie Caples Cross Country Invitational 2011, because Marykate Ponder, Julie Wollrath and I got lost while racing and it was so horrible in that moment… but now we look back on it and laugh so hard.
What was your biggest competition?
Footlocker National Cross Country Championships 2010.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
Winning 1st place in the FHSAA 2A Cross Country Meet in 2011, and winning 1st place in the FHSAA 2A State Track Meet in 2012 for the 3200m.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would not change anything. I started running very late, only beginning in 10th grade, but I am thankful and very honored to have accomplished the things I have in that short amount of time. All of the memories with teammates, sweat and tears shed, hard races, and new friends I have met through cross country and track are so great and I would not trade/change that for the world. I believe everything happens for a reason, and all of my experiences throughout my high school running career are just building blocks to the future.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A major obstacle was beginning in 10th grade as a runner, because I was transitioning from playing softball to cross country/track and I felt like I was far behind the girls who had been running since they were very young. I felt that I had so much catching up to do and only 3 years to do so, but through hard work and dedication I achieved my goals. Another obstacle was balance, because I am in the IB program and I constantly am up until 1 or 2 in the morning doing homework. As a result, I hardly ever get rest and it can be difficult at times to not be tired while running and also to maintain somewhat of a social life. I am glad that I persevered through this program though, because it has taught me so much academically and about who I am as a person.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss competing at the high school level, because there is such a wide range of runners that you get to meet at all of the races. Many new friendships are made, and the races are always so much fun. I will miss things like the Flrunners and Distance Preps websites, Florida Today articles, and different high school sports banquets. In addition, I will miss my team greatly. The team aspect of cross country and track is so rewarding, and although we act like we hate each other sometimes, at the end of the day we are one big family and I love all of my teammates.
What advice have your coaches had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Never give up on what you believe in, because nothing is over until the moment you stop trying. No matter what age you are, you can do anything as long as you set your mind to it and strive for your best. Also, good luck in the future!
What are your college plans?
I will be attending the University of Florida on an athletic and academic scholarship to run cross country and track. I plan on studying interior design or architecture.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank my family, friends, and Coach Ceal for being there to support and motivate me throughout my high school career as a student athlete. I would especially like to thank my brother Tyler for setting the example as the older sibling, and always being there to watch out for me and motivate me. Also thank you to Coach Butler, because without him I would be nowhere near where I am today.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Two words: 2016 Olympics. Oh, and go gators!
Two words: 2016 Olympics. Oh, and go gators!
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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.
