Name: Caroline Driscoll
School: Mount Desert Island
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race is probably Eastern Maine Regionals my junior year of xc. This race was so memorable because my whole team ran great PRs which meant that all of our top five runners were sub-20 in the 5k. It was the first time I broke 20 and reaching a big goal like that with your teammates is incredible.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
There are so many great runners that I've competed against in the past four years, but a few of my favorite people to compete against are Hannah Austin, Emma Mason, Elizabeth Labun, Haley Lawrence, the entire wonderful Orono team, and of course my super speedy teammates.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Either helping my team to win 3 consecutive xc state championship titles or tying my teammate Isabel Erickson's 3rd place finish at states, the highest that anyone from MDI has ever placed at a state xc meet. Probably the former! Nothing was better than riding the bus home with a fire truck escort singing "We Are the Champions" in very out of tune voices. Especially the third time seeing "home of the back to back to back girls xc state champions" on our school sign as we arrived.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
It might be cliché, but I wouldn't change anything. I've had an amazing 12 seasons of running for MDI.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle was definitely my sophomore slump. I almost didn't compete during outdoor track because I was so dejected. But I decided to work through it and my decision was definitely worth it.
What will you miss the most?
Both my indescribably amazing teammates, and the wonderful Maine running community. I've become close to so many runners from different schools (s/o to Anna Ellis) that it's going to be very sad to no longer compete against them.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
High school flies by, so enjoy your time as part of this amazing running community. Work hard, but don't be so focused on times that you forget that running should be fun.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I've
had the privilege of being coached by Desiree Sirois, a deserving Coach
of the Year winner. Desiree has taught me countless things, from shoes
to strategy, but the most important thing I've learned from her is
perseverance pays off. I would not be where I am today without Desiree's
continued confidence in me and her refreshing enthusiasm each day.
Also, she's a great cook. ;)
What are your college plans?
I will be attending St. Lawrence University next year, and intend to run xc, indoor and outdoor. GO SAINTS.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Huge thank you to my Dad who has always been super supportive of me, my sister who generally refuses to attend my meets but is a good cheerleader when she makes an appearance, Desiree for being the best coach out there, and my TEAM for making everything fun no matter the situation.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Good luck to everyone in their future running seasons both in high school and in college!
More Coverage
Do you know a class of 2015 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to dveilleux@milesplit.us
