Laurie Akin
What was your most memorable meet?
Outdoor state in 2011 when the State Championship came down to the 4x400 which we won by 0.7 seconds.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
Every year at State running the 4x100. I love running against all of the other girls, but it shows how talented and hard working we must be to run at the state level.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
Breaking the Mountain Brook women's 4x100 school record from 1975.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would start running the 400 earlier than the Outdoor season of my Senior year. I feel like I didn't have enough time to figure out how to conquer my fears before Sectionals rolled around.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Definitely fear and pain. After being a sprinter for 5 years, the 400 challenged me to believe in myself unlike I had ever before.
What will you miss the most?
The people. Because I get to run in college, I won't miss running just yet. But I will never get to race against and for the same people ever again, and that is hard to hear.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Don't be afraid to try something new. I tried Triple Jump on a whim in 8th grade and ended up being the second best on Varsity (at least until I got injured and switched to sprinting).
What are your post-highschool or college plans?
I am proudly running at Washington and Lee next year!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Definitely Coach Echols and Coach Stephens, and all of my teammates who always believed in me.