The NBNO 800 meter emerging elite championship race. After a tough mile the day before, i negative split the 800 with a time of 2:11. I won my heat, but I placed 2nd.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
NBNI, NBNO, XC regionals every year
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most and why?
Gatorade Player of the Year as a Sophomore. This was personally my coolest accomplishment. This is one of those awards that is given amongst all sports so a lot of people knew about this award.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would put together more groups. Run with new people. I would dive into the running community and find the joy of camaraderie in it!!
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome during your HS Track career?
My coach leaving at the end of my junior year left me having to learn to re-motivate myself. It's one of those things people take for granted- having a coach at practice to hold you accountable and keep you focused on the goal at hand. I overcame this obstacle, but it took a lot of self-reflection.
What will you miss the most?
The people!!! I'll miss the pre-race prayer circles and team hair braidings. I'll miss all the negatives that come with the positives (bell lap article). I'll miss every single cheer, near and far, and the people that have encouraged and supported me throughout my hs running career.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Enjoy it!! Take it all in. Even the things you've viewed as negatives in your sport. Reach out to your community. Sports are about learning and discipline, but they also bring so much joy. If I could tell younger Presley one thing it would be to just let go. Let go of the stresses and pressures you put on yourself and just run. You're meant for this sport!!!
What are your post-high school or college plans? Who would you like to say thank you to?
I will be attending Duke University on an athletic scholarship. I would like to say thank you to God- for always healing me and giving me courage for our battles. My parents- for always providing me with the tools I need to be successful (even if it means getting $250 shoes that show a 2 second time decrease) and for putting pressure on me. They taught me nothing good comes easy, but have held me up and encouraged me along the way. A thank you to all my coaches throughout the years. Coach Madden in particular for creating a 6 year progressive workout plan and pouring way more than he was paid into me (I'll forever be in your dept). Coach madden taught me to love and honor my teammates, parents, myself, and my God. A thank you to every single person that cheered and encouraged me at races (even the ones that DMed me)!! Thank you to Mr. Tim Loreman for always publishing my articles! Thank you to all the coaches I talked with. I learned so much in recruiting and I can't wait to take my career to Coach Riley!! Thank you to Coach Riley for believing in me and taking me on a badass team of women!
