When did you first start running, and do you recall any of your childhood races?
I started running in 7th grade. I remember my 2 mile Pr was 15:40 and I walked about a quarter of the race.
Was there a certain moment when you realized you'd be able to compete at such a high level?
At the district meet in 2018, I dropped a minute off my Pr to get the last all state qualifying spot and I was able to run at the state meet as a sophomore.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
Sophomore track season I had issues with my foot, and weirdly, I could run one event, but after the adrenaline chilled out, my foot would hurt so badly that I could barely walk.
How did COVID impact your training as you prepared for the season?
Instead of doing more and more speed work and peaking at the end of the season I got to do pure mileage and get a real nice base for xc.
Where are you going to college? If you have already committed, what made you choose them?
University of California, San Diego. Everything about it is perfect: the weather, location, academics, class size, opportunities.
Let's discuss the college searching process. What was that like, and what schools did you look at?
I looked at mostly schools in Southern California because of the perfect weather and location. I looked at several of the UCs as well as Claremont McKenna and Pomona.
Is there another track event you wish you were good at? What is appealing about it?
I wish I was good at the 100 and 200. I love sprinting events because they are so fun. It feels as if you're actually racing the people next to you, instead of feeling like you're just running next to them like in a mile or 2 mile. Also, in sprints, there is actual adrenaline and sense of immediate competition, which makes them super fun. And of course, not feeling like your legs are going to fall off when you finish.
What are some hobbies and interests you have outside of running?
Cooking, working out, playing with my dogs
Who is your role model, and why?
My coach. He inspired me to be the best I can and guided me all along the way.
Everyone has a bucket list, so give us some of things on your list!
Skydive, drive a super car, watch the track and field olympics in person.
What is the best advice you have received?
Early is on time, on time is late.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
I blast heavy rock music on the way to the meet to get me pumped up.
If you could do a sport other than XC/Track, what sport would it be, and why?
Soccer because you get to be apart of a team, and games are actually fun.
Any Final Shout outs?
I want to give a shout out to my parents for encouraging me my entire running career and getting me into running in the first place, and for not letting me give up when it got tough.
