Vivian Garcia, senior

Senior Vivian Garcia stood at the line at the Region II Cross Country Championships, and could feel the uneasiness of the hundreds of other runners that surrounded her. However, as the starting gun popped, the worry faded away.

“It was honestly the most nervous that I’ve ever been on the line before,” Garcia said. “Because I knew there was a lot at stake. So it was just really nerve-wracking.”

After leaving her all on the course, she was able to finish her race with a time that would help her and teammates make it to state.

Garcia always had a passion for running but finally pursued it five years ago. She’s been running varsity cross country for two years and loves her team, which made it that much sweeter to be advancing as a team.

“It means a lot to me, especially as a senior because I feel really close with my teammates,” Garcia said. “This is probably one of the sports that you are the closest with your teammates just because our team is a family.”

While the team is continuing their preparation for state, Garcia prepares to keep doing what she’s been doing all season. 

“It just shows me that with enough hard work and dedication that you can do it,” Garcia said.