![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
![Junior Alex Alkhal pitches the ball. “[I] just let it go and keep practicing so we can focus on our goal for the next game to get better as a team,” Alkhal said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DSC_0013-1-1200x929.jpg)
Q: When and why did you start track?
A: I started track freshman year, and I really always had a love for this sport. I felt like I could push myself to try out this sport and see how it was and see if I could enjoy it. And you know, I did it, and I really enjoyed this sport, and it was really fun for me.
Q: What were some of your best moments from Rock Ridge track?
A: Definitely going to states with my team during indoor. You know, spending time with them and being able to compete with my teammates at the highest level in our state. It was very enthusiastic for me.
Q: What kind of training do you complete in addition to the Rock Ridge track practices?
A: I mean, like when I’m training at home, I take it very seriously, because I feel like when you’re not with your school, it’s kind of more important. It’s more like how bad do you want it as an individual.
Q: What are your ultimate goals for your track career?
A: My achievements are that I wanna go to nationals. I want to qualify for nationals for Adidas, Nike or New Balance, and I know I can do it.
Q: Do you wish to continue track after high school?
A: Yes, I’m going to run track after high school. I’m running in college for Marymount University.
Q: Is it hard being a student athlete?
A: I mean it’s kind of hard being a student athlete, because remember it’s student first, so you have to prioritize your grades, and sometimes they get too heavy, so it becomes harder to focus on your sport when you really want to.
Q: Do you have advice for any younger track athletes?
A: Any advice I have for younger track athletes, honestly, it’s just there’s going to be times when you don’t do the best you do – this goes for any athlete. But for track athletes, there’s going to be times when you get on the track, and you don’t perform the best you can, but you gotta be able to stride past those moments and push yourself to become faster, to know that you’re faster, and achieve it. You have to preach it.
