Inhale.

Exhale.

Sophomore Brooklyn Atnip throws one foot in front of the other, finish line in sight. She is home, surrounded by her teammates. Every day, Atnip proves that you don’t have to be the fastest runner to make an impact. You just have to show up and do the work.

Cross country is not a sport for the faint-hearted. With intense, almost daily practices in the blistering heat, one is easily tempted to give up and find a different sport. However, Atnip, a new runner, is not so easily swayed.

“Yeah, there are times when you want to give up because it’s kind of frustrating, like on the days you are super tired but you still have to keep going,” Atnip said.

Although cross country kids run individually at meets and strive for their personal best times, it is still very much a team sport. Atnip has become a huge part of the team by cheering on teammates at each meet with her optimistic attitude.

“She brings a positive vibe to the team and doesn’t ever complain,” Assistant Cross Country Coach Jennifer Everson said.

Motivation and determination play a role with each run. It is with true grit that Atnip and her teammates accomplish their goals. She willingly puts her head down and keeps pushing, even if she is not always the fastest.

“I’m definitely not the best, but there’s always going to be people better than me. Just trying to be up there with them and trying to be better than them is pushing me to keep running,” Atnip said.

From start to finish, Atnip has shown what it takes to run a race– to run her race. Showing that it is not times that matter, but instead how to achieve those times. No matter the circumstances, she will give it her all.