Salute to Seniors: Class of 2016
Name: Alexa Golbus
High school: Chapin High School
Event PRs: Cross Country-18:51, 3200- 11:43
Hobbies: Running, triathlons
What was your most memorable race/competition?
The Region 4-3A Cross Country race in 2014 was my most memorable race. In addition to getting my PR (18:51), my team won the region championship, extending a streak of 21 straight XC region championship titles. After we finished the race, our team was unsure how we had placed. We were all very happy when we found out that we won.
Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Signing to run at Wofford next year stands out the most. It has been my dream and goal to continue my running career in college and beyond. Since I was young, I have always hoped to compete on the collegiate level.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would be more careful regarding injuries and overtraining. All things considered though, I really enjoyed my high school career, from state meets to Disney Cross Country invitationals to time spent training with my teammates.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I struggled with injuries my senior year. I ended up getting injured the day before track state qualifier and couldn't run it, which was very disappointing. However, I came back strong and am excited for my running career at Wofford.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my teammates and coaches. I love being around my teammates and will miss running with them. I have many close friends on the team that I will miss. I've enjoyed running for Chapin and will miss it.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice would be to never lose sight of your goals. Stay determined and persevere through obstacles.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals?
I have had great coaches who have pushed me to excel. My coaches, Coach LeGrand and Coach Hines, have encouraged my love for running and are part of the reason that I will continue to run in college. They helped me to achieve my goals and set new PRs. They have taught me to trust the process rather than being solely focused on the end goal. They helped me to become a better runner and person.
What kind of impact did your family have on your time as a high school student-athlete?
My entire family runs and competes in triathlons. From a very young age, I competed in triathlons and road races. I grew up running which helped me to be more successful in high school. My family was also very supportive of my running and helped me to do my best. They came to every race to support me. Also, three of my siblings ran cross country and track with me.
What are your college or post high school plans?
I will be running cross country and track for Wofford and majoring in biology.
What do you hope to achieve after high school?
I hope to have a successful running career in college and set new PRs. I hope to continue running competitively throughout the rest of my life. I also hope to have a career in the medical field. Regardless of where life takes me, I hope to have an impact and make a difference in whatever I do.
Do you see yourself coaching in the future? Please explain and if so, what level and why?
Eventually, I could see myself coaching a high school team. I realize and have witnessed the difference that great coaches make. They not only have a profound impact on the caliber of their athletes, but also on the development of their athletes' values, perspectives, and goals. However, I hope to first have a career in the medical field.
Shout-outs?
I would like to thank my family for supporting me at every race and in every endeavor. I would like to thank my coaches for pushing me, challenging me, and always believing in me. I would also like to thank my teammates who have become some of my closest friends. I wouldn't be the athlete or person that I am today without them.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I would change attitudes of apathy and indifference towards foster children. I would change the idea and mentality that someone else will help them. There are so many children lost in the system. So many people don't help because they believe someone else will. I would also completely change and reform the foster care system in order to fix major issues with it. My family fostered and eventually adopted my youngest sister through the foster care system. Throughout the process, I saw major flaws and issues within the system that I would change.