Athlete of the Month: Brianna Richardson
Photo Credit: Michelle Rice
Athlete of the Month: Brianna Richardson
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Sophie Keith, Staff Writer
April 23, 2012
Filed under Sports, Top Stories
Brianna Richardson is leaving a legacy behind at Rockwall-Heath High School. Richardson is a well-respected student, and an even more respected athlete. She lives and breathes track every day. Finding such a committed and determined athlete, like her, can be hard. She has grown and developed throughout high school and is ready to attend Baylor University on her track scholarship.
Richardson is a self driven individual, making every practice count whether she has recently come out of a win or loss. With her heart set on track, she has continued to grow and love the “individuality” aspect of the sport. From freshman to senior year, she has made astounding progress with her track career. Richardson has gone from not qualifying for regionals, to becoming a nationally ranked state champion. She is now ranked second in the United States. Richardson wants to go from being, “ranked number two to being ranked number one in the United States.” As an effect she walks into all competitions thinking, “I have a goal and today my goal will be achieved, stay focused.” She keeps the pre-game butterflies away by giving herself pep talks and listening to her special track playlist. The pressure of competing does not phase Richardson’s mind set as looking at it as “just another meet.”
Sophomore, Jack Turner, used to be in basketball with Richardson and says, “Bri is a walking definition of a leader. When she walks in the room, there is just something about her that demands respect,” Turner said. Turner loved the fact that Richardson would never let anyone get down on themselves, and she would always “push and pull her teammates in the right direction.” Turner can distinctively remember times in practice when Richardson would clap her hands and constantly encourage the team to not give up no matter how hard practice was getting. She would always tell her teammates when they did things well and to keep it up. Richardson steps up and leads her team when times get hard, and makes sure to keep them going and does not let them quit. Over the years, she has learned how to take responsibility for everything she does, and to also communicate with others.
The consistent hard work put forth by Richardson paid off. She signed with Baylor University on a full-ride track scholarship. To some, Richardson’s accomplishment seems like it could only be a dream, but she assures them that anything is possible. “Baylor sure did score big with Bri!” Freshman, Haley Hinds says. Richardson has a bright future walking into college already being a state champion. “[track has] showed me to be proud in everything I do. It is worth it,” Richardson says. After college, Richardson wants to go on to compete in the 2016 Olympics. And for her, the only person that can stop her from doing so is herself. Athletes that know Richardson look up to her and it “makes [her] proud and [makes her want to] continue being a good role model,” Richardson says.
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