Rachel Crews is a 15-year-old junior at The King’s Academy and has been running since 8th grade. Joining cross country in 9th grade, Rachel shared with me some of her favorite aspects of her team. “My favorite part of cross country is definitely the team. I have run with the girls for so many years they feel like sisters now.” Rachel shared with a smile. But of course, everyone has an aspect of their sport that they do not enjoy as much as others. “Honestly, my least favorite part of the sport is the Saturday workouts. I don’t mind getting a workout in, but I just prefer to sleep in at least one day a week and lose that day when I have to go run.” When I asked Rachel to reflect on her best memory, she told me about this year’s Cross Country States. “It was my last year with my closest friends because they are all graduating,” Rachel admitted. “It was just bittersweet after the race when we all went on the dock and listened to music and swam in the lake.” The TKA Cross-Country team is a two-time county and district champ, achievements which have come from the team’s dedication and hard work. Rachel gives these works of encouragement to anyone interested in joining the team, “Be all in. Cross Country takes a lot of commitment to be in.”

(Photographs by Brad Person)