What was your most memorable race/event?
My most memorable race would probably be Trinity/Valkarie my sophomore year. It was my first time running in the 19s, and at the time was a school record and a PR up to that point.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Gosh, I couldn't name just one, there are probably 10 or more pretty solid girls in my region and most of us have beat each other at some point.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Winning Region this year in the 1600m was a big one for me. I have been in the running for several regional championships, but it seemed like I would always run into bad luck, with either injuries or sickness, so finally getting a win was exciting to say the least.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Although I've had some injuries, I still probably wouldn't change a thing. It has taught me that I can always come back if I work hard enough. It has also helped me to figure out exactly the training that works best to keep me healthy, but still have me peaking at the right time. I think that more than anything will help me to perform my best in college.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
There were times during my high school career that it seemed I couldn't catch a break. My sophomore year I had a stress fracture in my right tibia and a stress reaction in my fibula. Junior year in cross country I had a stress fracture in my fifth metatarsal, and then during track was diagnosed with asthma. Then my senior year, I had mono the entire cross country season. It was so frustrating and disheartening but it made any accomplishments I had seem even better, because I knew it took a lot of determination to get there.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my team. We have had so many coaching changes over the years, seasons where we ran on club teams, times where we have come away with victories, and times where we have walked away with a loss, but through it all we have had each other. I couldn't ask for a better group of friends.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Not every race can be a good one, and for that matter not every season is going to be a good one. That is why you have to trust in your training and understand that a negative attitude isn't going to get you anywhere. Confidence is key to winning any race or running a PR. This is something that I had to learn myself, and when I finally realized this I began running better, but more importantly I started enjoying it more.
What influence has your coaches had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I have had countless coaches in the six years I ran track and cross country. My coach senior year was Sean McNulty, he really helped to make my senior year a good one, and I hate that I only got to run for him for one year. This was his first year as a coach, and I can't wait to see what he can do in the next few years. However, the coach that had the most impact on my running career has to be Tom Stickel. He took me from mid 21s in the 5K, and 5:55 in the 1600m, to mid 19s and sub 5:30 in one year. But more than just helping me bring down my times, he gave me the confidence to run with girls that I thought I could never be close to. He knows exactly how to get into a runners head and make them the best that they can possibly be. I feel so blessed that I got to be coached by him because I KNOW I wouldn't be where I am now without him showing me the way.
What are your plans for college or joining the workforce next year?
I will be running Cross Country and Track at Georgetown College next year!!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thanks to all of my coaches, teammates, and most importantly, my mom and dad. These people have always supported me and I don't know what I would do without them.