When and how did you get into track and field?
I got into track and field in 8th grade. I went out for cross country in 7th grade starting at Waynflete (which doesn't have a track team), and transferred to Thornton in 8th grade where I found the indoor and outdoor track team! After finding a love for running, I realized it was something I wanted to pursue and start taking seriously.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I think this has changed throughout my years of running due to my running development, but I would say any of the Bonny Eagle girls, teammate Mia-Claire, and Sam Moore.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
I think my greatest accomplishment was breaking 5:20 in the mile finally during this past outdoor season. After getting covid and having some training knocked out of me, it felt good to know I was able to PR and run under 5:20 again!
How has track and field impacted your life?
Track and field has given me the best friends I could ever ask for. Both on my team, but also on numerous other teams. It's a community that I love!
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Sophomore year I struggled immensely with shin splints, which meant lots of time off and adjusted training, which also meant slower times and poor races.
How do you prepare for competitions?
I don't really have much I do before competitions, but I'm kind of superstitious and believe I must have my hair braided in order to do well. I love eating pasta and carbs before competitions, and at meets I like to run around the schools campus to warm up. Dynamics in the middle of the field are also a must!
What influence has your coach had on your high school career?
I've had three different coaches in my high school track career, but they've all pushed me and helped me believe I could do anything if I set my mind and heart to it. They've helped me hit times I didn't think were possible, and were a best friend to me both on and off the track.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
Outside of track and field I enjoy dancing, hiking, and horses!
What are your college plans?
I plan to run xc and track at Wheaton (in MA), and go down the path of psychology with a possible animal behavior minor!
What are your long term goals?
I would love to run at a NCAA Nationals meet in college. Doesn't necessarily have to be my freshman year, just sometime in the next 4 years. Breaking 5 in the mile would mean a lot to me too, and maybe snagging a school record or two? Sometimes I believe I would like to run a marathon.... We'll see about that.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to my coaches for helping me become the best athlete I can be, and coaching me with your amazing skills. My parents for driving me too and from practices, driving to meets in the middle of a work day, and supporting me and my love for running. Thank you for buying me running shoes like, constantly :) , and friends/teammates, thank you for supporting my goals, standing there at day long meets, cheering, and helping me recover from races.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Some advice I would give to younger runners is set goals. Even if they seem unthinkable, set smaller ones to lead up to a larger one. You never know what you got until you try it. Never give up too. Even if a season or race doesn't go your way, use that negativity as energy to work hard and to try even harder in that next race. And lastly, have fun! 4 years on the track absolutely flies, so enjoy it while you can with your high school teammates.
