VYPE: How did your season turn out and what were your goals?

Sarah: My season this year was wonderful! My main goals were to come back after my knee injury last season, achieve personal bests, and to put myself at three years in a row attending Cross Country State. My biggest goal, though, was to stay positive and push myself as much as possible so that I could feel proud of what I accomplished.

VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?

Sarah: The most fun I have had in the last year would probably be when our Bixby team had a photoshoot. We all just got to run around, pose, and act ridiculous. Then, the whole girls team was videoed while we stood in a circle and got riled up. It was definitely one of the highlights of my year.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade and why?

Sarah: My favorite teacher from any grade would definitely be my Sophomore year Honors Chemistry teacher at Bixby High School. She was an incredible teacher, and I learned so much from her class. Her kindness and incredible ability to consistently aid her students in any way possible was extremely helpful for me. She even led me towards the Concurrent and AP classes that I need to take in order to pursue my career in the health field. Her knowledge and contagious positivity inspired me to love Chemistry almost as much as she does!

VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?

Sarah: I would say my favorite athletic memory would be when Bixby’s Cross Country team went to the Chile Pepper 5K in Arkansas last year. This race was the first time that I had ever broken a 21:00 time in a 5K and I placed tenth in the Open race, receiving a plaque. But, the best part was when each of the races had ended. The DJ began playing music, and all of the runners danced until we had to leave for the buses. It was a great day, and I had so much fun with my teammates.

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

Sarah: The teammate who has left the biggest impression on me would definitely be Cayden Dawson. She is such an amazing runner and her leadership, strength, and endurance have inspired me throughout the three years that I have known her. Being on the same team as her was such an honor, and she is such a role model for me.

VYPE: What is your favorite part about being on a team?

Sarah: My favorite part about being on a team is knowing that every single one of your teammates is rooting for you. Even when you have a rough day or don’t run your best race, you can know that they are there to support you, and that you are there to support them.

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation, where do you go and who do you take with you?

Sarah: If I could go anywhere for a summer vacation, I would definitely go to Hawaii. Although I have already gone, I would go again in a heartbeat. It is just so beautiful and I absolutely love the ocean. Honestly, I would probably want to take the girls on my team with me. They are just the sweetest, and I know that wherever I go with them it will be a blast!

VYPE: When and how did you first get into Cross Country?

Sarah: I actually did not start running until my freshman year. I had been a soccer player for the majority of my life, but I was always born to be a runner. In soccer games, I would just sprint back and forth with the ball and coaches never knew what to do with me. Eventually, my soccer coach began asking us to try to start running a mile per day. As I continually did this, I found the challenge of pushing myself and achieving new goals as I ran to be extremely appealing. But, the most credit would go to my close friend Scarlett Wright. She had been in Cross Country for many years and she pushed me to join. That first year, I went to Cross Country State. I am so grateful that I am finally in the sport that I was made to be in.

VYPE: Here is your chance to say hello, goodbye or thank you to anyone you wish.

Sarah: I would love to thank my coaches who have supported and guided me to become the runner and person that I am today. I would also like to thank my parents, my private cheerleaders who have supported me so much and whom I would not be here without.