First of all, how did you first get involved with track & field?
I first started track in 7th grade. I joined because I wanted to try something new and it was the first year we could join so I decided to do it!
What are all your personal records?
100 m hurdles- 14.89
300 m hurdles- 45.06
200 m- 25.48
Triple jump- 35'0
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I have been on my schools dance team since 7th grade! And I also tried cross country during my sophomore year but it didn't work out so well.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
That's a tough one! Either the 2016 Conference Championship or the 2016 Subsection Meet. These meets are my most memorable because at them, I truly saw what kind of athlete I was.
What did those meets help you discover?
The 2016 Conference Championship Meet was the first meet last year when I ran under 15.50 (I ran a 15.05) and it really helped me become more confident in myself and in my abilities. The 2016 Subsection Meet was also an important meet for me because it was the first time I had ran sub 15 (I ran 14.89) and it showed me how capable I was of placing high at the State Meet. That meet proved to me that hard work really does pay off.
Do you think your dance background has been helpful to you as a hurdler and/or jumper?
My dance background has been extremely helpful with my hurdling and jumping abilities. My flexibility has come from dance, and has helped me with my hurdling technique. Dance has also helped me become more aware of body placement, which has helped me with jumps and hurdles as well.
Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
I love competing against fellow Minnesota River Conference members or anyone in our Section! They're all such amazing athletes and great people too!
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?
My teammates have been extremely supportive throughout my track career! But I'd have to say without my amazing coaches, I wouldn't be the athlete I am today. All the coaches at Belle Plaine have taught me incredible amounts of skills that I'll always be grateful for. They've taught me things from athletic forms, to a winning mindset. Belle Plaine's head coaches are Richard Foust and Josh Otto. They have always supported me and have taught me skills that really have improved my athletic abilities. Also my summer league coach Kim Davis has had a huge impact on my hurdling. And finally, my family has always been extremely supportive of my track career and they're always there to cheer me on! Especially my mom! She's my biggest fan!
What are your main goals for this upcoming track season?
I really want to break the Class A 100 m hurdle state record and win a state title in that event. I came up short last year and am really determined to reach my goals this year! I also want to run under 45 seconds in the 300 m hurdles, and return to the state meet and place. This year I am adding the 200 m and really want to make it to state!
If you do the 100h/300h/200, that must mean you don't plan to make it back to State in the 4x100?
I don't plan on running the 4x100 relay this year. Last year, our state 4x100 team was made up of all upperclassmen, 3 seniors and one junior (me). Most of us had been on that relay since our freshman and sophomore years so we had time to build it, to make it into the relay it was. Since 3/4 of the team has graduated, my coach wants to start a relay fresh with underclassmen, to build the relay. I've run the 4x100 relay since I was a freshman so it'll be a big change not running it, but I enjoy the 200m, and I think it'll be fun!
Do you have any college plans?
Next year I will be attending Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I will also be running track there! I am planning to major in Biology Pre-Med!
What were some of your biggest attractions to Augustana?
I really like the location of Augustana and the environment! It's a semi-small school and I really liked that! The town itself is extremely beautiful and full of fun things to do! The coaches there are also very nice and welcoming and the team really felt like a family and I wanted to be a part of that!
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
Ever since my sophomore year I have always ran with my hair in a French braid and I plan to continue that this year! Also during Subsection, Sections, and State meets, I always wear the same sports bra, (I wash it after each meet, of course) and it's been the same one the last two years! I always have to run with my spikes double knotted because I'm afraid they'll slip off!
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
Either watching Grey's Anatomy, sleeping, or doing a puzzle!
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I have a twin sister!