Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing Baylor University?
I was looking at Elon, Furman, UNC, Vanderbilt, CU, and Baylor. I loved getting to know all of the coaches, and their programs. It was an honor and a privilege to be recruited by these schools, and I really appreciate the time and effort they put into recruiting me.
I really struggled with making a decision because all of the schools had amazing things to offer, but I prayed a lot about my decision, and I felt like I was called to Baylor.
Coach Capron was the first college coach that I talked to, and I loved getting to know him. It was easy to talk to him, and I could tell how much he loves this sport and his team. Coach Capron is one of the biggest reasons why I decided to commit to Baylor, and I am so excited to be a part of his team!
Q) What do you plan to study at Baylor?
When I started running, I began to dream about being a XC coach. I would love to study exercise science, or something with leadership, because that might be helpful to have, but I am not totally sure. We will see what the future holds!
Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at Baylor?
I love the 3200 and 5ks, so I would love to continue to race those and hopefully improve. But Coach Capron is the coach, so whatever he says I am running, that is what I will run!
Q) You've had success in every event from the 1,600 on up to the 5k - what would you say your favorite event is, and why?
I go back and forth. I am really passionate about the 5k. I love running the different courses, and there is nothing more satisfying than finishing 3.1 miles knowing you gave it everything you had. But I am also passionate about the 2 mile. I love that race because it is faster than a 5k, but it is still the longest distance in track (the longer the better!).
Q) You've consistently made gains each year across every event (you're the only senior to crack 19 minutes at the State Cross Country Championships all four years of high school) - what would say attributed to such consistent improvements?
My coaches for sure contribute a lot to my consistency. Coach Coplen pushes me every year in my training and always believes in me even when I don't believe in myself. He is really good about creating a training plan that gives us time to build up mileage so that our bodies can handle the tough workouts. He is good about giving us rest when we need it, but he is also good about kicking our butt when we need it too.
My other coach, Coach Kroll, has also played a huge role in my consistency as well. Coach Kroll helps me with my confidence and mental game. She has taught me so much about how to push through the pain and not run timid, I wouldn't be the runner I am today without these two coaches pouring a lot of their time and energy into helping me be the best competitor I can be.
Q) The first result we have on you on MileSplit is a 55-second 300, 16th-place finish at the Fort Collins Track Winter Kickoff from January 2016 (additionally - a 2:11 600, 12th-place finish, and a 10-6.5 long jump) - What do you remember from this competition?
I remember how much I hated running and how I was definitely NOT a sprinter. I didn't fall in love with the sport until I started XC my freshman year. However, as tough as these first years of running were, I learned a lot of lessons, like perseverance, and taking ownership if I made a mistake or had a bad race, which has helped me these past couple of years.
Q) What got you interested in competing in XC/Track in the first place?
Coach Coplen was the reason I started running. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but once I got to know the team, and fell in love with the sport, I didn't want to stop. I love my team and coach and the sport so much, and I am so thankful that I decided to join freshman year!
Q) Favorite book, musical artist, and movie:
Favorite Book: The Hunger Games
Musical Artist: Rascal Flatts
Movie: Peanut Butter Falcon
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
My favorite high school moment was probably traveling to NXN with my teammates. We made some really special memories together and it was so fun to be a part of that amazing experience with some of my closest friends. I will never forget that XC high school memory!
