Running her way onto the Clarkston girls cross country varsity squad has earned freshman Kristen Smith Athlete of the Week honors.
‘She’s just real competitive. You can just see it in her eyes,? said Clarkston Coach Jamie LaBrosse, who nominated Smith. ‘As a freshman she could be All-State.?
Smith joins rarified company on the varsity team, winners of the past two MHSAA Class A state championships.
‘They are all so nice, they make you feel comfortable. They also provide motivation to try and become as good as they are,? said Smith
Smith would like to be running just above or below the 19-minute mark by the state finals.
Smith began running cross country in seventh grade as training for her soccer team, Vardar Under 15.
A Clarkston resident for all 14 years of her life, Smith lives with her father Doug, mother Linda and younger siblings Bremen and Natalie.
Smith enjoys language arts and science and enjoys reading Dean Koontz in her free time. She has wanted to be a doctor since she was eight-years-old.