What do you like most about being a student-athlete at MSA?

Being a student athlete at MSA gives you opportunities that you wouldn’t get anywhere else. The teachers are very understanding of our commitment to our sports, and each athlete has respect for what the other teams dedicate their time to. As a student athlete it is your job to perform at your best both in your sport and academically. Miller school makes both of those possible by supplying you with amazing coaches, teachers, and resources at school to help athletes find the right balance. 

What is your favorite class at MSA and what do you like about it?

Design Build is my favorite class at MSA because it allows me to be creative in a more mathematical than artistic style. At a young age my mother taught me to love building and woodworking. When I came to MSA and took my first Design Build class with Mr. Hanson, I learned new skills and discovered the problem solving aspect of the art. This began my love for the class and led me to take the class every year. 

What is your favorite race of the year and why?

My favorite race of the year is the NICA or VAHS Miller School mountain bike races. Having the home field advantage is certainly helpful, but it is only amplified by the enthusiastic and fun environment of the event. 

What is your favorite training ride/route and why?

My favorite training route is riding up Afton all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway and taking in the magnificent views from the Afton lookout then returning to school. The route involves a great climb to train on and a fun and technical descent, but it can be completed as a two-hour training ride or less. 

What are your pre-race rituals/routines?

Before a race I always listen to my pre-race playlist and I eat ramen noodles. The music helps me to focus my nervous energy and the ramen supplies me with a ridiculous amount of sodium so that my muscles respond quickly and efficiently when the race starts. 

List 3 songs on your pre-race playlist:

1. “Unstoppable” - The Score 

2. “Remember the Name” - Fort Minor, Style of Beyond 

3. “Unstoppable” - Sia 

Any other interesting things about you that you’d like to share?

None of this needs to be put on the website; I just thought I should say it…

The endurance team at Miller and the coaches have made my years at Miller the most memorable and amazing years of my life. I have met people at Miller who have helped me to become who I want to be and who have shown me different ways to look at the world. The coaches have encouraged me and pushed me to be not only the best athlete but the best person that I can be and I am very thankful for the opportunities that the school has supplied me.