Running With Purpose: Motivation Fuels a Season of Triumph

written by Kylor Plunk

edited by Joshua Banks

As the cross-country season drew to a close, Coach Sierra Boyd, who leads both the boys' and girls' teams, reflected on the significant growth she witnessed throughout the year. She explained that both teams gained confidence, from the veteran upperclassmen down to the promising underclassmen.

With a larger boys' roster of 12 runners, the athletes consistently pushed one another in practices and

races, continually striving for peak performance. The girls' team, competing with a smaller squad, often faced the challenge of feeling more individual at times, but they nonetheless displayed remarkable resilience and dedication.

Embracing the bigger picture in working towards the future. Coach Boyd shared a crucial part of her coaching philosophy: when an athlete hits a rough patch—whether because of an injury or a disappointing race—she encourages them to look at the bigger picture and focus on long-term goals. It’s easy to feel discouraged by a difficult moment, but she reminds her athletes that true improvement takes time. Keeping their eyes fixed on the season's ultimate goals helps them take the necessary steps forward, even on tough days.

She also acknowledged that coaches, like athletes, can experience fatigue during long weeks of practices and meets. However, she sees it as her fundamental responsibility to bring the right attitude and energy every day. This unwavering support helps guide the team through the exhausting parts of the season and uplifts them on their absolute toughest days.

The program is more than just running statistics and numbers. While many spectators and analysts focus heavily on an athlete's statistics. Coach Boyd asserts that true growth can't always be captured on paper. She values the persistence, positive attitude, and character her athletes develop—qualities that, in her view, stand out far more than any number on a stopwatch.

When asked to describe this year’s cross-country team in a single word, Coach Boyd didn't hesitate: "Motivated." The team set ambitious goals for themselves and consistently showed up to practices and meets with the intense drive and laser-focused mindset needed to reach them, making this season a true success story.