Congratulations Sonja!
Athlete of the Month
September 2021

What sports have you played?

The first sport that I got into was gymnastics, then I got into taekwondo which I earned a black belt in. Then I started running training in 8th grade. I joined beaverton youth track club. My first year of cross country wasn't much of a season though because of covid mostly all club meets and a few other actual meets. I got first in everyone with a cross country 3k time of 10:52. Then I started my first track season that was fun, got caught up in a heel injury but managed to win all my meets including state with a time of 4:52 in the 1500. Now I am starting my Westview cross country season. My first meet is this weekend at Oregon city. Hoping to place in the top 10.

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Where is your favorite race location?

I haven't done many races but I would say my favorite race was when I got state champion at Jesuit high school in the 1500. I started at the start line with nerves but I knew going into it that I had a chance of winning. I started up in 1st and I ended up first winning 15 seconds ahead of the second place girl. It was also cool because I got an interview from youth runner magazine at the end. 

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 What is your favorite thing to eat before you play?

My go-to food before a race or run is a Cliff bar or a cinnamon raisin bagel with peanut butter.

What is your favorite movie? 

My favorite movie is either Deadpool 2 or Race.

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 What injury did you have? Did you have surgery? 

I had tendonitis in the hip, stress reaction in the heel, and a stress reaction on the top of the foot.

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What did you learn from your injury?

I learned that I cant overdo it and I have to listen to my body. More running isnt always better. I run 4-5 days a week and do a lot of cross training and above all I rest more. 

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 What advice would you give a kid that is recovering from an injury? 

The most important thing is to take it slow and don’t overdo it. More is not always better, and make sure to do all your Physical Therapy exercises. Injuries happen to everyone so don’t sweat if you get one. Above all you will be back to shape in no time, and you may even do better when you get back because look at all the rest you’re getting. 

Past Athletes of the Month