Presley Smith is a Freshman at PHS. She is currently in her first year of running cross country in high school. Presley is very dedicated to her sport and has a very competitive drive. She has been running cross country since she was in 7th grade. Throughout middle school, she earned many titles and won many medals. Though the 2024 season is not even halfway over, Smith is already earning medals and making a name for herself.
Head Coach Amanda Poliette said, “ Presley sets her mind on a goal and works hard until she achieves it. This helps her teammates raise their level of competition. She is a good friend and encourages everyone on the team. She doesn’t back down from a challenge in a workout or a meet.”
The Cross-Country team has run in five races so far. The first race was at St. Vincent, where she placed 4th. The second race was at Arcadia Valley, where she placed 7th. The third race was in Joplin, where she placed 23rd out of 185 runners. In Joplin, she was the first Freshman to cross the finish line. The fourth race was in Columbia where Smith placed 21st out of over 180 runners. And their fifth race was in Farmington where Smith placed 6th.
So far this year Smith has already accomplished so much. She is currently competing for the number one girl’s varsity spot. She was the Unico Bank athlete of the week. She has already won multiple medals. She also has set a new PR twice now. First at the Arcadia Valley race where she shaved 1:26 from her old record of 22:19. Secondly in Columbia on the state course where she ran a 20:52.
Smith is proud of her accomplishments she said “ I feel challenged for sure. It has been a big change and it’s hard as a freshman running with people 3 to 4 years older than me but the environment is amazing and really uplifting. I love my team and coach a lot.”
Smith is dedicated to her sport and her team. She is always encouraging and wants everyone to succeed. She pushes everyone hard because she knows their full potential. Smith is always willing to work and puts her time and energy into her team.
Junior Cross Country runner Carley Coleman said “ Presley is an amazing athlete and pushes the rest of the team during workouts and in meets. She is always uplifting her teammates by telling them they’re doing good and being encouraging even during the hard times.”
Senior Cross-Country Runner and Presley’s brother Alex Smith said, “ It’s been different but overall good. We get along well, and we try to push each other the best we can.”
Every day Smith works hard to accomplish her goals and perform at the best level possible. She will continue working till she reaches the top. Smith and the Cross Country team have many more meets ahead of them. Their next meet is Saturday, Oct. 12th which is the Potosi home meet at the City Park.
