Woodruff junior sprinter Bria Stephens returns for her second Class AA state meet Saturday. Stephens is entered in four events, including two relays. Stephens is also a member of the school's basketball and volleyball team.
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Full name: Bria Stephens
Date of birth: Feb. 23, 1993
Hobbies: math, track, basketball, volleyball
Brothers/sisters: Jamilia, Bryant and Jye
scrunners: When did you start to get involved in track and field?
stephens: I started my seventh grade year. Coach (Brian) White got me very interested...so I came out and really enjoyed it.
scrunners: Do you remember your first meet?
stephens: Yes, we traveled to Palmetto. I was very slow then. I was running a 32 in the 200-meter dash.
scrunners: Do you play any other sports?
stephens: I play volleyball and basketball. I also play AAU basketball and track during the summer.
scrunners: What made you decide to get into track and field?
stephens: I really just like to run and I have alot of energy, so I thought running would be fun.
scrunners: What did you think of Saturday at the Upper State qualifier?
stephens: I was so pumped Saturday. I had all the energy in the world and was ready to run.
scrunners: How do you feel this has prepared for state?
stephens: I know my competition and I know what I have to do to win.
scrunners: Do you have any specific goals for state?
stephens: I want at least all-state in my events and maybe a ring.
scrunners: Over the years, how you have seen yourself and the sport progress?
stephens: I have gotten alot faster and the sport has been fun.
scrunners: What does it mean to you to be the first track and field athlete from Woodruff to qualify for state in four events?
stephens: It means alot and a great honor. I couldn't have done it without my team.
scrunners: What experience did you collect from your first state meet that will help you this year?
stephens: I won't be as nervous this year.
scrunners: Do you have a specific event you would put more effort into Saturday over others and if so, why?
stephens: No, I love competing and in everything I do I put in 110 percent because I couldn't let myself or team down.
scrunners: What kind of challenges have you encountered as an athlete?
stephens: During my eighth grade while running the mile in gym class I began to have chest pains, and later that night I found out I had supraventricular tachycardia and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
scrunners: What was going through your mind during this time?
stephens: Well, I was scared out of my mind because I thought I was about to die.
scrunners: Did you think you would be doing what you are doing now?
stephens: Not as much, but I wasn't going to lay around. They couldn't keep me down too long.
scrunners: How do you balance athletic and other responsibilities?
stephens: I have been doing it since the seventh grade and it's mastered by now.
scrunners: What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
stephens: My great uncle Grover (RIP) because he would always tell me you better run fast and jump far.
scrunners: Do you have a pre-meet tradition?
stephens: Coach (Michael) Stokes (sprinters coach) tapes me and tells me to relax. Te took me to state! He taught me everything. He is the greatest coach ever.
scrunners: Which event do you prefer? And why?
stephens: The 200 is my favorite because I love the adrenaline I get from coming around that curve and hearing coach Stokes yelling run.
scrunners: How do you prepare for each event going into a meet - on day of a meet?
stephens: I pray before every event and when I get to the line.
scrunners: What do you look for in a coach and what do you expect a coach to look for in you?
stephens: I expect for them to be inspirational and to push me harder.
scrunners: What do you recommend to younger athletes to achieve their best?
stephens: I recommend to keep trying and never give up. Look what I came from to where I am now.
scrunners: If there is one thing in the world you could do it and why?
stephens: I would liek to train with Usain Bolt, because he is the fastest man alive.