School: Marshwood High School
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race would most definitely be cross country states this senior year. I felt my best on that course and placed 4th which I was pretty happy with! Although I didn't do cross country my other 3 years, this one season had a huge impact on me as a person and I am glad I made the transition from soccer to XC.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Over my 4 years of running, I have competed against many talented runners whom all I consider to be big competition. Every year someone new can come along, or someone may switch from sprinting to distance, you never know. I feel that there are too many people to narrow it down to as my biggest competition. Running is a tricky sport, some days you could be on the top and other days you might feel off. Competition is always changing.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment would probably be placing 4th at cross country states like I said earlier. The feeling I got before, during, and after that race has not been matched. I remember how accomplished I felt after that race and it made me realize that I did make the right decision going from soccer to cross country.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could change one thing about my running career in high school it would probably be my attitude sophomore year. I remember that year I was stuck between deciding if I wanted to do sprinting or distance. I felt unmotivated and stressed on what I had to do and wasted a lot of my time. Now, I would do anything to have that time back as I realize I should have savored every moment of my high school running career. Luckily, I had 2 years after that to enjoy but sophomore year was definitely something I would have changed.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
One of the most difficult obstacles I had to overcome was the uncertainty I faced with my switch from soccer to cross country. Throughout my summer going into my senior year, I constantly questioned myself on what the right thing to do was. I had done soccer my whole life and wanted to go to college for it, but running also showed some potential for a good future. When the decision was finally made, I immediately felt like I had abandoned my past and it was difficult to accept, but eventually, with an amazing team and coach, cross country began to become the greatest season of my high school career.
What will you miss the most?
There are so many things I will miss as I head off to college. My coach has been the greatest coach I have ever had, and he has helped me through my 4 years to become who I am today. He has made me a better runner and person. My team is also most definitely something I will miss. Everyone was always so fun and I have too many memories and pictures that I will never forget.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
My advice that I would give to younger athletes would be to savor the moment. High school goes by so fast, and if you are feeling tired or burned out from running, just remember to still savor every moment. I look back on the days I just wanted to "move on" to another season but wish so badly that I had enjoyed every day, every practice, or every tiring run I didn't feel up to doing. Savor every moment.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach has had a tremendous impact on who I am as a runner and person. If it were not for him, I would not be the runner I am today and he has allowed me to expand my level of fitness throughout my 4 years.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Sacred Heart University to study health sciences. I will be running cross country and indoor/outdoor track for them. I know that the training will be harder and more demanding than high school but I am excited to form new bonds with new teammates!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to my coach for allowing me to be who I am and to help me grow as a runner and person. Words cannot describe how grateful I am as I would not be where I am today without him. I would also like to thank my teammates for always laughing at my weird self and supporting me from beginning to end. My sisters and family will also always be my number 1 support system through my running career.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I am very grateful to have had the success and opportunities running has given me these last 4 years, always work hard and never give up!
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Do you know a class of 2017 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
