Vanessa Jacome '21 Recruiting Profile

          As a sophomore in high school, a goal of mine is to run competitively in college. I began running in sixth grade when I wanted to try out for the cross country team. I honestly failed miserably in this attempt, not making the team. But I became determined to make it the next year. I trained through the winter and summer. So in 7th grade, I made the cross-country team, even though I was still a very poor runner. At the end of my 7th-grade season, I was once again determined to improve; I did not want to be the worst on the team anymore. So I adjusted my training for the next season. By 8th grade, I progressed so much and that is when I genuinely fell in love with running. That summer I trained harder than I ever had for freshman year of high school, making more improvement than I expected from myself. 

    Each season I have trained hard and improved my times, which resulted in me earning the most improved award during my most recent cross-country season. My goals are to break 20 minutes for the 5k, be running in the 11 minutes for the 2 mile race, and run sub 6 for the 1 mile race consistently. I additionally want to qualify for All-States. Over the rest of my high school running career, I aim to continue running year round, three seasons a year and earn my school's 12 Season Award. I also strive to work more on sprinting at the end of my races. I have made advancement with this goal so far, but there is still progress to be made. I also intend to work more on hills as this would give more confidence during races where I am racing on a rolling course.