First of all, how did you first get involved with track and field?
My first exposure to track and field was when I was in seventh grade, which is the first grade that competitive track and field is offered. Not only did my older sister Siri run track, so did my mom and dad in high school and my mom ran cross country and track in college.
What are all your personal records?
Long Jump 18'7.25", Triple Jump 36'9.75", 100m high hurdles 15.22 seconds, which are my current individual events. This year I have also been running the 4x200 relay. My best time in the 300 hurdles is 46.43 seconds which I did in eighth grade.
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I played volleyball and basketball and was first team All-State in both of those sports this past year.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
This past year in the Section Volleyball finals we beat Belle Plaine to advance to the state tournament. We had lost to them in the Section Finals the previous three years. Our team went on to place third in the state volleyball tournament. When I was a ninth grader we lost in the State Basketball Championship game to NHREG which featured Carly Wagner, who now plays at the U of M. My sophomore year I won the state long jump and last year I finished second. I have been to the state track meet 3 years and have placed 7 times!
Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
Morgan Shindelar from PEM is an amazing track and field athlete and she beat me in the state long jump last year by half an inch. We only compete against each other in the long jump. Emma Weatherly from Byron is also an amazing track and field athlete. I have competed in Sections and state against her in the 100M hurdles and triple jump and in various other meets we competed with her in all the 100 and 300 hurdles, the long jump and the triple jump. Both of these girls are from Section 1 along with me, so we generally see each other quite a few times each spring. It's always fun to compete against them!
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?
We are very fortunate at Kenyon Wanamingo to have dedicated and supportive coaches in the three sports I have competed in. They put in a lot of time and are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure their teams are ready to compete each and every night, and do so while having fun. My volleyball coach is Jen Nerison, basketball is Brent Lurken and my track coaches are Jeff Wibben, Rachel Cline and Tracy Erlandson is my jumps coach. My parents have always been very supportive of my athletic endeavors, just as they have been for my sisters as well.
What is a challenge you have had to face as an athlete?
Being involved in 3 sports has not left much free time throughout my high school athletics career. Not only are we competing in these sports during each of the season, the summer is filled with camps, leagues, conditioning, and tournaments. Being part of a relatively small school district has many advantages and being able to compete in three sports is one of them, but it does take hard work and commitment to achieve success while doing so.
As an All-State athlete in three sports, what suggestions or strategies do you have for other three-sport athletes on how to balance your commitments and be able to give each season their full attention?
I would say always give 100 percent and work your hardest like you would if you only did one sport. Always ask questions and know what's going on! Have a good attitude all the time!!
As a senior, how have your perspectives, strategies, or attitudes changed since you first started doing track, what advice would you give to younger athletes?
I have become a lot more confident with myself in all of my events. I would tell younger athletes to never give up on any event and always give your best effort.
What were your main goals for this track season?
In a meet at Lake City earlier this season, I achieved one of my goals in long jumping 18'. I have also set PR's in the long jump and triple jump already. Since I have medaled at the State Track Meet the past two years in the 100M hurdles, the Long Jump and the Triple Jump, I certainly would like the opportunity to return in those events again in 2017!
How are you feeling about where you are at performance and training-wise this season?
I feel really good about where I am at right now. There is always room to improve but I feel as if I am ready for post season!
(Photo provided by Diane Hokanson)
Do you have any college plans?
I will be attending Minnesota State University in Mankato and am excited to be playing Volleyball for the Mavericks! I'm undecided in my major at this time, but in my future I would like to become a Child Life Specialist or work with children in some capacity!
What were some of the things that you liked about the Mavericks?
When I visited Mankato I really liked the coaches. They were very welcoming and nice coaches. I also really liked the facility and the campus. It is very modern and newly updated.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
No, I really do not have any rituals or superstitions. I just go to the meets and compete!
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
I am probably asking my Dad for another Gig of Data to use for my phone! Outside of athletics, I love hanging out with my friends, enjoying time with family, and when I do get a spare moment I enjoy watching Netflix! I play the clarinet, oboe and saxophone in KW Band and sing in KW Chorale. I am also a member of FCCLA, NHS, and SADD.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
My first love was gymnastics which I competed in until I was in 5th grade.