What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race would have to be when I won State in the 3200m Girls 4a race this year and also set the record! I knew in order to win I had to get out in first from the start and try to make as much of a gap as I could on my other competitors so they wouldn't be able to catch me. 
Words cannot describe how excited I was! Last year I came in 7th with a time of 11:09 and I remember Cali Roper from Willis winning with a new state record of 10:35 and I thought that was such an amazing time, then this year, by the grace of God I broke that record by 9 seconds running a 10:26! It meant the world to me to have so much of my family and friends there watching and cheering me on! It was kind of a crazy morning with the thunderstorms delaying the race and making the humidity pretty nasty. But I didn't let it get to me and just stayed calm. I prayed so much for this race and had such a desire to win, I just put my trust in God and knew that whatever the outcome was It was in Gods plan and would honor him.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I have had lots of competition over the years, but I dont like to really think about them and just run my race. It has been fun getting to know my competitors and some of them have become my best friends.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was how much I have improved since I started running my freshman year. I had almost a minute improvement every year in the 3200m race. Its just amazing to see how much hard work and dedication has paid off.
9th grade- 12:43
10th grade- 11:28
11th grade- 11:09
12th grade- 10:26
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would made it a HUGE goal to make nationals, because I didn't really know much about how to get there. And I would have loved to go to Nike Nationals and Footlocker in cross country. I came so close my senior year to making Nike but I didn't make it a big enough goal during the season. But this just gave me a much greater desire to win state and aim at Nationals in college.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My injuries, luckily they always came at the end of the season and I was able to take some time off and cross train. I
have had two stress reactions and it was difficult to get back into running shape after taking a while off, but these injuries have helped teach me that your body needs rest and time to recover. I also learned how to cross train like an animal! People thought I was going to break the elliptical every time I got on it because it would be shaking from all my effort. I also fell in love with swimming and still try to swim at least once or twice a week to loosen up my muscles.
What will you miss the most?
The amazing people that live in my community and have supported me so much these past couple years. The greatest feeling was coming back home after winning State and everyone knowing who I was and congratulating me. I still have people coming up to me that I dont even know saying "Hey your that runner, Jessica right?" I love the attention but more than anything I love the fact that I am getting to know more and more people and I hope I can touch their lives and show them that God gave me this strength. I will also miss all the people who have made so many sacrifices for me, especially my mom! And all my Coaches I have had throughout the years they have all taught me so much!
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. If you seek God first then everything will fall into place. Yes there are going to be trials in your life but if you fully trust God, he will get you through those and you will come out a stronger person. I fully believe that without God I would not have been able to accomplish any of my goals. And don't ever give up! Running is one of the hardest sports because its a true test of how much pain you will allow your body to go through, but with endurance you can finish the race. Also no matter how slow or how fast there is always room for improvement so strive for a pr every time and give it all you got every race.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Ed believing in me and telling me after each week how proud he is really helps me to keep going. Coach Terry Jessup has had a huge influence on my performance by giving me painful workouts, racing advice, setting goals, and planning to execute every workout! He has helped me believe that anything is possible if you really set your mind to it and it has helped me to think more positive in everything because complaining wont get you anywhere.
What are your college plans?
I will be running XC and Track for Texas Tech University!! I will continue my education in Sports Nutrition.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to all my coaches- Coach King, Coach Ed, Coach Goben, Coach Jessup, Coach Darling, and Coach Eden. Thanks to Dr. Fowler for helping me deal with my stress fractures. But most of all my FAMILY and FRIENDS for there constant support and love!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I can't wait to begin my college career as a D1- Big 12 conference runner and will be setting big goals once I get there!
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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me an email: Txrunning@hotmail.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2013 on all their hard work and success.