What was your most memorable race?
This year's 4a state 800 meter race. This was my first time to run at the state meet, which was so exciting in and of itself, but on top of that I got to run with my teammate and one of my closest friends, sophomore Gabby Crank. There's just nothing like knowing you have a great friend at your side during such a nerve- racking race. We got to pray together, and do all of the pre- race routines we've been doing since our very first race together-- we have this weird little dance that we always do before heading to the start line… I'm definitely gonna miss that! We ended up medaling 2nd and 3rd, and that was the most phenomenal way to close out. It is such a sweet memory to hold, and having it with someone who means so much to me makes it even sweeter.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Honestly I can't really name anyone specific, but as far as cross country goes, it has always been really fun getting to compete against such great teams, especially at the state level every year. Teams like Kingwood park, Canyon, and Cedar Creek are all fantastic programs and it is a lot of fun to get to see them and compete every year at state. It's always neck and neck, which is fun! Our team always looks forward to getting to run against such great competition!
What was your greatest accomplishment?
What was your greatest accomplishment?
3 cross country team state championships in cross country. No personal title will ever feel as amazing as sharing a state win with the teammates and coaches who mean so much to me. My relationship with cross country is definitely a love/ hate deal-- the long distance races can be tough for me, but competing as part of a team is what makes it worth it, and being able to pull out with 3 gold medals (and one silver) has kind of just been the cherry on top! 
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Nothing. In all honestly I didn't really get completely and totally serious about competing until my senior year, but I still wouldn't change my 4 years for anything. Cross country and track has been the best part of my high school career, and although I never even made it to state track meet until my senior year, it all worked out for the best-- disappointment my junior year helped me mature and realize how much I wanted to be successful; it lit my fire and inspired me to have the best senior year season I could, and I wouldn't change that for anything.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I have been very fortunate in that I haven't had any injuries or health issues, so really I would say my main obstacle was overcoming myself. Honestly, once I came to the realization that running is simply a sport of mind over matter, that's when I really started to improve and see success. So much of this sport is a mental game-- for the most part, you have the ability to be as good as you believe you can be. It took me about 3 years to figure that out, and to gain the confidence in myself to really become serious about succeeding. I'm still working on that, just like most everyone is, but the realization that my main obstacle is myself has really helped my mentality about competition and the sport.
What will you miss the most?
What will you miss the most?
My team. There is no other team like it. In track we've had 60+ girls every year, in cross country 140+, which sounds kind of crazy… it's a huge team. Practice every day after school with those girls has been the best part of my day for the past 4 years. 
When I was an underclassmen, the older girls really took me under their wing and helped me out. It has been so cool to be able to do the same for the girls younger than me as I've gotten older. Our team is so special to me, and above all else I'm definitely gonna miss the goofiness and silliness, and how much fun we had at every practice and meet.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
When I was an underclassmen, the older girls really took me under their wing and helped me out. It has been so cool to be able to do the same for the girls younger than me as I've gotten older. Our team is so special to me, and above all else I'm definitely gonna miss the goofiness and silliness, and how much fun we had at every practice and meet.What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Just enjoy it. Success in high school is great but it isn't the end- all be- all. Don't take yourself too seriously! Just focus on enjoying your time competing and being a part of a team, and with hard work and dedication, success will follow!
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Sutterfield, my cross country coach, is the most incredible man. I accredit a huge part of who I am today, in every aspect of my life, to his mentorship. The thing about Coach Sutterfield is, he's like a father-- he loves every girl on the team unconditionally, like a daughter. He cares about us personally, our success and our struggles- he cares about all of that. But also, he expects excellence from us, on and off the cross country course. He wants us to be successful in the sport, but he places the highest importance on integrity and our character. His mantra to us is "remember who you are and what you represent", and he inspires every cross country girl to live up to that. The same can be said for my wonderful track coach, Coach Bailey. She is without a doubt the most hardworking and dedicated woman I have ever met. She has shaped me into the athlete I am today-- she showed what it means to channel my disappointments into achieving something greater, she has challenged me and helped me to draw out my potential as a runner and a person. I am so blessed to have had her for four years!
What are your college plans?
I've signed with the University of Texas, so I'll be keepin' Austin weird for the next four years! I'm going to run track and cross country there and I plan to major in advertising! I am so excited to be a longhorn, and to be a part of all the new changes happening to the program there.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Kate and Gabby, my cord of 3 strands, thank y'all for everything. I will miss the comfort of knowing you two are at my side in every race. To the 4x4, thanks for all of the secret rituals, and for being such sweet friends to me… I will miss y'all (and our pre- race weirdness that got us so many strange looks and glares...) And to my whole team, of course-- thank you for just being the best. Y'all are the reason I fell in love with this sport! I know you all will carry on the scotty tradition with excellence and with class. Good luck, and thank you for the past 4 years! And of course thank you to my mama and dad for the support, and to my big brother Jake-- thanks for encouraging, and for caring, and being my best friend.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Hook 'em horns!
