Personal Statement
I started running to improve my stamina for high school basketball but quickly found a new passion. I love the physical and mental challenge of competitive distance running. The bond between teammates and competitors is at a different level than I experienced competing in other sports. I entered the summer before my freshman year an inexperienced runner but worked hard to become a 1st team All-Conference and 1st team All-District varsity cross country athlete in my first season, qualifying for State and setting a new PR at the state meet. My first season of Track & Field was cancelled due to the pandemic but I kept training and earned All-State honors in the 1600 and 800 as a sophomore. I was also inducted into the National Honor Society, achieving another important goal I set prior to my second year of high school.
I am excited to compete and improve in the 2021-22 seasons. So far I met my goals to run a sub 16 minute 5K, lead my team to a State meet appearance, and earn my first XC All-State medal, finishing 4th at State despite a foot injury that limited my training in the final two weeks of the season. Future goals are to continue to be an honor roll student; to lower my times and make a run at school records in the 800, 1600, 3200 and 5K; and ultimately to be an important contributor to a competitive program at a 4-year university that will help me continue to develop as an athlete and as a person.
