Sport(s) Played: Cross country, Swim, Track & Field
Q1: Why did you choose the sport(s) that you play?
I joined cross country and track because I come from a family of runners, and I enjoyed running in middle school. I started swimming in elementary school on summer swim teams, and I found out that I enjoyed it and I was pretty good at it, so I continued it on in high school.
Q2: What is your favorite Madeira sports memory?
My favorite memory is the Cross Country Regionals meet my freshman year when we qualified for the state meet the first time.
Q3: How do you get motivated to practice each and every day?
I get myself motivated by thinking of the goals I want to accomplish and how it would feel to accomplish them. I know that if I don’t practice, I don’t have any chance of accomplishing those goals. I also remind myself that there are many fun moments during practice that make all of the hard work worth it!
Q4: What is your favorite pre-game meal and why do you eat that?
My favorite meal before meets is protein pancakes if the meet is in the morning, and just a plain peanut butter and jelly sandwich if the meet is later in the day.
Q5: Which athlete do you admire most and why?
One of my favorite athletes is Julz Williams. She runs for University of Kentucky and makes YouTube videos, and I love her positive attitude and viewpoint on life. I got to meet her at a track meet 2 years ago because she ran for Beavercreek when she was in high school, and she was so nice!
Q6: What makes a great teammate?
A great teammate is someone who works hard and has a positive attitude but is also able to have fun, relate to the team, and doesn’t see themselves as superior to anyone else. Also, a great teammate is someone who shows a lot of spirit!
Q7: What is on your pre-game playlist?
I have a lot of different songs on my playlist for before meets, but one song I always play (especially before swimming the 50 free) is Lose Yourself by Eminem.
Q8: What is the funniest thing that you have seen or happened to you in a practice or game?
The funniest memory I have is from cross country season this year when for spirit week, the girls team each dressed up as a different boy from the boys team. Everyone was so creative, and it was so funny to see the boys’ reactions when we all walked out together.
Q9: What is next after you graduate?
After graduation, I plan to go to college. I am currently undecided on what I want to study.
Q10: What advice would you give an 8th grade athlete as they move on to high school sports?
My advice is that when you are older and looking back on your experience with playing sports in high school, you will remember the memories and friendships you made more than any specific time you do or don’t get. If you are giving your best effort, it’s not worth creating unnecessary pressure and beating yourself up over not getting a certain time you wanted, because that will only lead to burnout and stress. This is something I wish I had known sooner!