Amanda is 18 and a senior at Taos High School. She spent years living in Wyoming, before moving to Taos, New Mexico. She will start work to be a certified nurse assistant (CNA) this summer and would like to be a nurse, doctor or physician assistant (PA). She is grateful for her Mom and sister who are also athletes and that her Mom has been supportive of her athletic endeavors, but in a mellow way.
Amanda will attend the University of Wyoming in the fall. While she plans to focus on her studies in the first semester, she may try out for the track team in the spring, if she is keeping up with her class work. She says “I wouldn’t put a sport above school.” This summer, Amanda plans to try a Heptathlon – seven events including hurdles, along with high and long jumps and running.
Why I love my sport
I run track and play volleyball. Of the two, volleyball is more fun. There is a ball involved and it is more of a team event. I got into it because mom and sister had played. I like bonding with other girls and with classmates I wouldn’t usually hang out with. Working and winning as a team is great.
I also love track. You get recognized as an individual and there is a lot of variety, including sprinting, running the two mile, throwing a javelin and pole vaulting. Last year, I started doing field events for the first time with the long jump. This year, I am also working on the high jump and shot put.
How to get started
My best advice is to get a partner. For myself, if I don’t have a partner to motivate me, I don’t get out and do it. If you are joining a team – go at least one day and try it and see if you fall in love with it. The first day is always the hardest. If you are new to the sport, you might feel embarrassed. Don’t get discouraged, even if someone younger is better than you. We all started at the same spot; the challenge makes you work hard.
Accomplishments or personal bests you are most proud of
In volleyball, I was chosen as an all-district player, which was really cool for me in my senior season. In track, I hold three records – one in the 200-meter dash, which I achieved as an 8th grader and I wanted to re-break it. On April 26, I re-broke that one. Another record is in the 400-meter and as a team member in the 4 x 200-meter relay. One of my goals for this year was to break a record in the 4 x 100-meter relay. My mom is one of record holders and our team had been only a couple of seconds off. My relay team broke the record on April 19 by more than 10 seconds. I am also really proud of our track state championship last year.
Overcoming fears
The first day of practice in any sport is hard. I also played basketball and when you walk out at beginning of year, you wonder “how good am I going to be?” I compare myself to other girls.
I’ve felt like something held me back and have tried to use to my advantage. I try to pass like the more experienced players. It used to make me embarrassed that someone else is a lot better, but now I use it to help me improve.
As 8th graders, when we moved up to high school, we were getting blown away, but it only made us get it better. We broke a record and went to state and placed.
Advice to girls and women who are interested in this sport
For either track or volleyball, go out there and give it your best effort. If you start track and are not in the best shape; keep trying. You might not see any results in the first few weeks. Be patient with yourself, work hard and stay dedicated and you will see results. Always stay humble. I dislike it when others brag. Tell other girls good luck before a game or race.
Basic equipment/clothing to get started
For volleyball, the school usually provides uniforms. Knee pads are the most important; knees hit the ground a lot. Spandex or some sort of athletic short that lets you move around and a sports bra and T-shirt, along with volleyball shoes with grips on toes are also important. For track, a good pair of shoes is the key thing.