Personal Statement
Several teachers and coaches have inspired me to consider teaching at the high school level as a career. In addition, I am also interested in serving as a track coach. Being able to participate in track events at the collegiate level would help me achieve these goals, as I would be better able to "walk the walk" and help my student athletes improve and grow academically and athletically.
My motivation to excel in my track events in middle school (100M hurdles, long jump, and 4x100M relay, discus) and high school (100M hurdles, 300M hurdles, 4x400M relay, 4x100M relay, hurdle shuttle relay) has made me a "go-to" athlete on my teams. My coaches were anxious to see what I could do in events that were not usually on my roster--I am slated to try pole vault next season, as my coach feels confident that I can add value to my team in that event as well. It is not uncommon for my coach to ask me to fill in when a teammate is unable to participate. To help with my conditioning for the spring track season, I participate in cross country during the fall season. I understand the importance of staying in shape to avoid injury and enjoy pushing my own expectations. I am excited to see what I can do!
Even when unable to run because of injury in grade 8, I attended practices and assisted by coaching teammates in hurdle technique. I was presented the Most Valuable Player award in recognition of my "take charge" efforts and breadth of athletic event participation.
In the 2013 season, even though I did not qualify for sectionals, I attended practices with the team to encourage them in preparation for the upcoming sectional meet. My efforts were recognized with the Rising Star award.
I enjoy being part of a team, and work to motivate my teammates to excel. Most events that I run are "individual contribution" to the team effort and point score. In the 2014 season, I was honored to be the leading point scorer in sprinting events for my team. Being part of the relay teams added a different dimension of team spirit in pushing each other to do our best. It is my hope to break school records next season, both in my individual events and team relay events!