Caroline Shirley
Franklin Regional
Freshmen
Favorite XC Course: White Oak

Do you have a favorite cross-country memory or race?
I LOVED my 8th grade year of cross country. I convinced a couple of my friends to do it with me, and it was not their favorite activity in the world, but we all got closer that year. The bus rides were so fun, and I really enjoyed blasting music on the way to every meet.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to cross country running?
It is going to challenge you physically and mentally, but you should embrace it! Get to know your teammates, you will end up running a lot of miles with them over the course of the season.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from cross-country running?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it is a team sport. Collaborating with your team instead of against your team benefits everyone. You also find your closest friends on the team. I have become so tight with another freshman on the team, Elaine Liao. We have so much fun together and she makes me smile all the time. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I will always be hers.

What strategies do you use to maintain a positive mindset during a race?
After the first mile or so, you start to settle into a pace, and it gets more uncomfortable as you continue. I try to remind myself that it is such a short amount of pain for a permanent reward, and to be comfortable getting uncomfortable.

What is your favorite running quote?
“Worrying gets you nowhere. If you turn up worrying about how you are going to perform, you have already lost. Train hard, turn up, run your best and the rest will take care of itself.” -Usain Bolt

How do you support and encourage your teammates during races?
Usually, I stay at the finish line and wait for everyone to come through. It does not matter to me how fast they run; I am so proud of them. Yes, I am a freshman and new to this, but I see my teammates working hard every single day. So, whether it takes them 17 minutes or 35 minutes, I am screaming at the top of my lungs.

Can you describe the bond and support you share with your coach? How does their guidance influence your running journey?
Across the board, all my coaches have made a significant impact on my running journey. My middle school coaches have been there since day one, and they made cross country so exciting. This year, I have learned a lot from the high school coaches. They stand at the top of every hill cheering me on, and they always build me up instead of tearing me down. One of my coaches used to run for Franklin a few years ago, and she has been so supportive through everything.

Caroline, despite being a freshman on paper, brings a wealth of experience and a strong sense of leadership to the Franklin Regional girls Cross Country team, thanks to her participation in the USATF summer circuit. This season has been exceptional for her as she broken the 20-minute barrier in three out of her four invitationals. Notably, she stands out not only as one of the top freshmen in the WPIAL but across the entire state of Pennsylvania. With her sights set on achieving a top 15 finish at the WPIAL finals and securing her spot at the PIAA Championships in Hershey, PA. Caroline’s dedication and love for running promise a bright and successful cross-country career over the next four seasons.

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