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When did you first start running, and do you recall any of your childhood races?
I don't remember any particular races, but I began running for my elementary school in kindergarten.
Was there a certain moment when you realized you'd be able to compete at such a high level?
My freshmen year I began taking training more seriously and during a workout one my coaches stopped me and told me that he thought I was different. I think he was the first person who believed in me enough to give me confidence in myself.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
I've definitely struggled with finding balance. Finding the point where I'm pushing myself and getting better, but simultaneously allowing myself to recover and stay healthy has always been hard. All the years leading up to senior year were trial and error sessions of what worked best for me.
How did COVID impact your training as you prepared for the season?
I trained particularly hard during the off-season of my junior year. However, the season got cancelled so I never saw that training to fruition. That said, senior year became the culmination of all those seasons of training. Covid forced me to grow and be patient in my training.
Where are you going to college? If you have already committed, what made you choose them?
I'm running for the University of Alabama. The deciding factor for me was the team culture. Bama has beautiful facilities and awesome academics, but the team environment is something I've never seen before. Follow @bamababes on Instagram <3
Let's discuss the college searching process. What was that like, and what schools did you look at?
I looked at mainly SEC schools because of their athletic focus, but I also looked at some smaller private institutions and even some of the military academies. The college search process was definitely overwhelming but it was also fun. I got to learn what I valued in a school and I enjoyed exploring.
Is there another track event you wish you were good at? What is appealing about it?
I wish I was good at the 400. 400 runners make it look effortless.
What are some hobbies and interests you have outside of running?
I like to hang out with my friends, work at Andy's, go swimming, and watch movies.
Who is your role model, and why?
My role models are my two sisters. Both of them inspire me with their creativity and enthusiasm. They push me but they are also my biggest fans.
Everyone has a bucket list, so give us some of things on your list!
I want to run a marathon, win the amazing race, and travel to Peru.
What is the best advice you have received?
The best advice I have ever received is to "call fear out." My coach would always say that it's ok to be nervous and it's ok to be scared, but when we call fear out for what it is, it puts fear in a cage. Fear is like a lion. When it's loose and roaming free it's dangerous, but when we put it in a cage, even though it still exists, it can't hurt us.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
Before every race I always eat a cool mint cliff bar. It's the best snack in the world.
If you could do a sport other than XC/Track, what sport would it be, and why?
I think I would want to do gymnastics. Gymnastics has always amazed me and it's my favorite sport to watch on the Olympics.
Any Final Shout outs?
Shoutout to Adam and Andrew Snoke for getting me through every long run!
