Salute To Seniors: Lily Williams - Chiles

Salute To Seniors: Lily Williams - Chiles



What was your most memorable race?
 
The 2008 state cross country meet. It was so exciting as a freshman. We all ran exceptionally well, placing 5 in the top 10.
 
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
 
Definitely winning state three times as a team, but also qualifying for Footlocker Nationals this year and running three events at the state track meet.
 
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
 
i really wouldnt change anything. I think I've really learned from everything that I have been through as an individual and a team.
 
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
 
As many girls do, my body went through a lot of changes my sophomore year. I went from running 17:50s to 18:30s and I really struggled physically and emotionally to keep myself motivated and happy. Luckily everything fell back into place and I was able to get back up and running well again.
 
What will you miss the most?
 
i will definitely miss my teammates. Our team is pretty close and I know it will take a year or two in college to get to know people on my new team as well as I know my current teammates.
 
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
 
keep your head up the first few years. You develop a lot as a runner and a person when you first start training and competing, but once you get it down the next few years are so much fun and much easier.
 
What are your college plans?
 
i will be running track and cross country for Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. I am looking forward to being part of the SEC and living in Nashville!
 
Who would you like to say thank you to?
 
i would definitely like to thank Coach Gowan for sticking with me these past four years. We are so lucky to have a coach who has so much experience and isn't afraid to push us and make us work hard. I would also like to thank my teammates who have also been a great support system day in and day out. I cant' wait to come back and hopefully see them all continue their running careers after high school!
 

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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.