(Photo provided by Sophie Schmitz)
First of all, how did you first start running?
I started running the summer I was 11. I heard about local "fun runs" where kids got together in the summer and ran to prepare for cross country at the coach's house. Aware that a couple of my friends were going, I decided to give it a shot. From that moment on I fell in love with the sport and decided to continue on with it, and also join track, knowing that the kids at my school who did one usually did the other. That was sixth grade and I have been in both ever since!
What are all your personal records, including cross country?
400 m: 58.30, 800m: 2:13, mile: 5:11, 5k: 18:00.
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I was in basketball my ninth grade year (probably only because I'm tall), but other than that I've just been running.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
The most memorable/favorite competition was this past fall, at the 2016 Nike National cross country meet in Portland, Oregon. My team finished 5th, which was the most incredible way to end my cross country career with an amazing team.
What has it been like to have teammates like Jessa Hanson and Kayla Rudie whom you've been running with for your whole high school careers and who have steadily improved each year along with you?
My teammates are incredible. Jessa Hanson, Kayla Rudie, and Savannah Anez and I are the four senior girls on the team. Training and competing with these three girls has been so beneficial. We have known each other since before kindergarten, which creates a training atmosphere of respect and understanding. Along with this, they are all naturally hard workers and high achievers, so running with them is an opportunity to be better because they motivate me on and off the course/track. I have improved because of them, and without them I do not know where I would be!
Other than your own talented teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
My team and I all love competing and simply hanging out with the Edina girls team. We have known them for a long time and it is so fun to be around such a great group of girls. I personally have loved competing with Tate Sweeney from Edina, she's just really awesome and I've gotten to know her very well.
(Photo provided by Sophie Schmitz)
Having wrapped up a pretty historic high school cross country career, what reflections, lessons, or memories will you take away most from your experiences?
After seven years of running, I have learned many lessons, the most prominent one being you have to love it. Waking up every day and pushing myself mentally and physically does not happen for any reason other than I love it. I have found passion and happiness within my running career. I will never forget the runs with my girls, where we around surrounded by cornfields, running into the sunset out on Coach Popp's gravel road.
What are your main goals for this upcoming season?
My reach goal for this season is to break my record in the 800 meter and hopefully go sub-2:11. I would also really love to get the 400 meter school record (which I have been attempting to break since eighth grade). Another big goal for this year is for our team to finish in the top three in the state for the 4x8. And who knows, maybe our 4x4 will make a comeback too!
Do you have any college plans yet?
I am committed to the University of Minnesota for college next year and will be running there as well as studying chemistry. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store!
What were the things that attracted you to the University of Minnesota, and who on their team are you excited to run with next year?
I instantly recognized the University of Minnesota as a place where I can be my best self. It has wonderful coaches, teammates, facilities, and all of the above. I am super excited to run with the Hasz sisters, because I have known them for a while and they are so inspirational. I am also looking forward to meeting new teammates and friends!
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
The superstitious side of me always has to have my lucky pennies (which I usually find on race day) and my four leaf clover necklace in my spike bag. I also have the same exact warm up/range of motion routine. In cross country and track relays, my team and I always pray before the race and quote the famous Prefontaine motto: "the best pace is suicide pace, and today is a good day to die." That ritual also carries over to my individual races, because I find myself chanting "Pre! Pre! Pre!" In my head at the line right before the gun goes off.
(Photo provided by Sophie Schmitz)
When not accumulating miles or turning left, what might we find you doing?
When I'm not running, you could usually find me at school, with friends, or with my family. Depending on the season, you could also find me traveling, which I love to when I have time. I am fairly involved in school, so I find myself at the school for most of the day. Aside from those things, I really enjoy singing and playing the piano. I also enjoy painting and creating any sort of artwork. That's pretty much it!
Where are some of your favorite places you have traveled?
My favorite places to travel are places with mountains and rivers where I can camp and explore, like Montana and Wyoming!
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
Well, I can do a handstand for more than a minute if that qualifies as bizarre??
