Athlete Name: Sophie Grogan
School: McCracken County High School
What was your most memorable meet and why?
My most memorable meet was the Region 1 3AAA meet in October 2017. Our team improved a lot this year, and we finally got regional runner up which was one of our goals throughout the season. All of the hard work had paid off, and we weren't even done yet with qualifying for state the following week.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
My biggest competition at a race was either Trinity Valkyrie Invitational this year, or every state meet we qualified for as a team.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most and why?
Getting injured and coming back my senior year would probably have to be it. I got hurt my freshman year and had to have surgery on both feet. Whenever I came back to run, there was still pain. I never thought I would ever be able to come back my senior year or compete again, but I did. Even though my times were not as fast as I wanted, I was still happy to compete in every race and qualify for state with my team.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
My dedication and discipline, throughout my sophomore and junior years I wasn't as determined as I should have been.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My two feet surgeries. Coming back to run was very difficult since the pain was still occuring and it didn't fix anything. It was frustrating to take all that time off for basically nothing. Getting through that was a struggle.
What will you miss the most?
The long runs with my best friends and teammates, Maggie Dowdy and Maggie Aydt. I am also going to miss the whole team. They always made practice much more fun and exciting, even if it was a hard workout. Lastly, I will just miss the sport in general. It has been apart of my life for 9 years, and having seen it come to an end is sad.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Don't wish it away, enjoy the moments of pre race pasta dinners, celebrating your victory with your teammates, and the post race blizzards. I didn't think high school cross country would fly by so fast. You'll blink and then you're running down the final straightaway of your last high school race ever.
What are your post-high school or college plans?
I will be attending the University of Louisville majoring in Elementary Education.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
First, I would like to thank God. He has been with me every step of the way of this journey, through the ups and the downs. Next, I would like to thank my parents, they have always encouraged me after every race, good or bad. Also, a special shoutout to my mom, for being my coach for my last two years of high school cross country. For Coach Zeiler, coaching my sophomore year and really starting the fire in my team to start being more dedicated. I would also like to thank my four brothers, but especially Joshua, my oldest brother. He has always inspired me in his determination and discipline for running, and I have always looked up to him for that. Lastly, I would like to thank my high school, McCracken County, for all the support and love for four years, it has truly been a ride.
