Athlete Name: Hannah Stumbo
School: Martha Layne Collins High School
What was your most memorable meet and why?
My most memorable meet would have to be the Lexington Catholic Invitational where I ran my season PR.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
For my team, the biggest competition was at our regional meet at North Oldham's course. Losing one of our top runners made for a tough fight to qualify for state as a team.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most and why?
My biggest accomplishment during high school is my ACT score, which is cliche but has opened so many doors for my future. Although I'm not defined by a number or a standardized test, I worked very hard throughout high school to achieve my score.
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 change my outlook. Sometimes the morning practices and meets every weekend got exhausting, and in turn I would take them for granted. I wish I could go back and cherish them, because there is a last time for everything.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
After losing a key team member due to injury, my junior and senior year I stepped in as a team captain, which at times was very difficult. Keeping everyone's hopes high, being strict when necessary, and also trying to better myself was hard to juggle, but well worth it.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the people the most. This sport is full of genuine, hard-working, and talented people. It is truly something special.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice would be to enjoy running. Don't just get through a practice, make the most of it. Also do not do running a disfavor and give half effort. Give running everything you have and I promise you will be rewarded.
What are your post-highschool or college plans?
I plan to attend the University of Kentucky and major in Biology or Psychology. I will eventually attend medical school to become a geriatric oncologist.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank first and foremost, God, for giving me the gift of waking up everyday and running. My mother, who has never missed a meet, for being my biggest fan. My old coach, Drawbaugh, for convincing me to run, believing in me, and making a lasting impression on me. My current coaches, Randy McDowell and Sean Roberts, for investing time and energy in me, pushing me, and never giving up on me. I would finally like to thank all of my amazing teammates throughout the years, who mean the world to me.
