A: My most memorable moment would have to be my sophomore cross country season when we found out our team won state. I was blessed with the best teammates and we all worked so hard that season with winning state as the ultimate goal in mind. We all had a great race and everything fell into place that day! I'll never forget those awesome girls, my amazing coach and that special moment when we found out our hard work payed off.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over four years?
A: My biggest competition for four years was definitely myself and the voice in my head. I often became too caught up with bad races/days and forgot to celebrate my progress and successes along the way.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment was getting all-state honors (24th place) in cross country my junior year! Getting all-state as an individual had been a goal of mine early on and nothing quite compares to that feeling of accomplishment.
Q: If you could do it all again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I wouldn't necessarily change anything. That isn't to say that everything was perfect (because it was far from it), but I learned so much and became a stronger runner and person with each challenge I faced. Every off day, bad race, or tough workout has shaped me into the person I am today!
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: For me, my biggest obstacle was believing in myself and trusting my training! Confidence is so important especially since running is 90% mental. I struggled with confidence when I got to the line which definitely took a toll on my performance. Trusting that there is a reason for each practice and race (bad or good) will get you closer to reaching your goals!!
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I will definitely miss all of the girls I have met throughout the years. My teammates of course, but also all of my competitors who I became friends with on and off the course.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: Have fun!!! Running is supposed to be fun! Whenever running gets tough (which it will), always remember why you run and never lose your passion. Learning to relax a bit will get you far!
Q: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
A: My coach retired after my sophomore year, so I had to adjust to getting a new coach. I was nervous at first, but quickly gained lots of respect for my new coach. Both of my coaches have made a huge impact on my life and care about me and my successes inside and out of running. They both believe in me so much and I appreciate all the time they put into making me a better runner and person.
Q: What are your college plans?
A: I will be attending Mizzou and continuing cross country and track!
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: There are so many people who I have to thank for everything these past four years. First, Anna West, one of the first people to encourage me and motivate me to be my best! Ever since my first practice, she took me in under her wing and has been my role model ever since. Also I would like to thank my parents, coaches and other competitors for supporting me, pushing me and motivating me to never give up!
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: I think it's important to say that there are definitely times when running is going to be hard and you might want to give up. That is completely normal! Not a single runner goes through every practice or every race feeling great each time. Be relentless and never give up. You are capable of so much more than you will ever know!
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: One time on a Saturday morning run, I dropped my grandma's car keys in a porta potty and was stuck at the trail for 2 hours until I was able to borrow a phone to call my mom to come get me. That was definitely a great morning. haha