Photo Credit: Lexie Brill
VYPE: What grade are you in, and what sports do you play?
Anna: I am a junior at Hollis High School, and I run cross country and track.
VYPE: What have you learned from your sports?
Anna: In cross country, you learn that progress doesn’t come from sprinting the easy parts, but from pushing through the hills, the heat, the side cramps, and the moments when your body wants to quit. You realize that if you keep moving, even when it’s uncomfortable, you’ll cross the finish line stronger than when you started. And so in life, I take this as you can get through anything, no matter how hard it gets, and in the hardest moments, I look to God to help me push through.
VYPE: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Anna: The accomplishment I am most proud of is making it to state individually last year in cross country.
VYPE: Is there a teammate who has made a big impact on you?
Anna: The teammate who has made the biggest impression is Aiden Alejandro because, no matter the challenges he faces, he continues to push through and get better every meet.
VYPE: Who inspires you?
Anna: Who inspires me the most is my grandma because no matter what, she always pushes through and gets the job done, and she always puts her family first.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher?
Anna: My favorite teacher is Miss Manny. She is the English teacher, and the reason she’s my favorite is that she always keeps a positive attitude and encourages us in anything that we do.
VYPE: What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
Anna: The best piece of advice I’ve been given as a runner is to run my own race. It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing, but focusing on my own pace and effort helps me stay steady and finish strong. That reminder has taught me that consistency and confidence in myself matter more than comparing to others—both in running and in life.
VYPE: Are you involved in any other clubs or activities?
Anna: I am involved in FFA as a chapter officer, and I show sheep, and I’m active in speeches and quizbowl.
VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shout-out to anyone you wish.
Anna: I want to say a special thank you to my Coach for always pushing me to the best of my abilities, and I want to thank my grandparents for always being my biggest supporters and believing in me, and sometimes I didn’t believe in myself.
