When and how did you get into track and field?
I got into track in my 8th-grade year because my friends were on the team. I started out as the manager, but after the coach saw me run, he put me in the 100m and 200m. I said I would never run anything over a 200m, but now I'm a distance runner.
I started doing the 1600m my junior year and made friends with a girl from another team. I started doing XC my senior year after she recommended that I join her school's team. Switching to XC was one of the best decisions I've ever made, but it wouldn't have happened without her encouragement.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
The track/ XC girls from Madison High School.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was winning the 1600m and 3200m at the MVC championships this year. A year's worth of training went into winning, but it was worth it.
How has track and field impacted your life?
Joining XC helped me to become more of a leader. I have always tried to set a good example for others, but I have never had a group of people that looked up to me as my team did. This has helped me to take more initiative, knowing that I have a group of people looking up to me and counting on me. It also carried into my track season this spring as I am the captain of the distance team. I led my team through all of the workouts we do at practice that I have mostly come up with on my own. I was determined to get better at distance running, therefore, I took matters into my own hands and put the work in. This gave me a new sense of pride in myself.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was my school not having an XC team. I had to contact my athletic director and Dirigo's athletic director during the summer in order to get the ball rolling. At first, they were going to have me run as an individual, but I pushed for a team co-op. If I was on the team, they would have just enough girls to fill a full girls' team to score points. It wasn't an easy process, but I'm so glad I pushed for a team co-op. I made so many wonderful memories and friendships by doing XC.
How do you prepare for competitions?
The day before I try to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. I also have a "pre-race breakfast" that I always have the day of a competition which is a scrambled egg grilled cheese. Mentally, I try to visualize my race and think of my strategy going into the competition. I always listen to hype music while I'm warming up to get me in the zone.
What influence has your coach had on your high school career?
My XC coach had a major influence on my high school career. He saw that I had a desire to improve and did everything in his power to try to help me. If it wasn't for him, I don't think I would have been as successful as I was. He even created a training plan for me to use during track season and came to a few of my meets. Even though he wasn't my actual track coach, he still chased me around the field and encouraged me more than anyone else ever has.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
I love skiing as well since it is something I grew up doing. I live 5 minutes from a ski mountain so that is something that has always been a big part of my life. During high school, I also did alpine and nordic ski racing. I golfed for my school for three years before doing XC so that is something I like to occasionally do as well. Volunteering at my local library is also something I enjoy doing during the summer.
