Brenda is the back to back state 6A champion in the 800 meters. In 2018 she also won the 1600. She was a member of the state runner-up 4 x 400 relay team and placed 3rd in cross country in 2017. She helped her team win the State 6A track Championship this spring, a first in school history at Alexander in any girls sport. She is graduating with a 3.85 GPA and will attend Kennesaw State next year to run cross country and track.
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable meet was the GHSA championships 2years ago. I was blessed enough to have made it to state. Though my coaches kept telling me I could be the 2016 800m champ, I could hardly believe it. Albeit, I didn't win it, but it was a close race. I charged up to quick at the curve as an inexperience runner, I knew little of when to go or not to go. 80m to go, my spikes caught on the track and the runner from Richmond Hill out kicked me by a second and won the state. One of the biggest disappointments I ever faced as a HS runner leading to that point. But, being second knowing that I was so closed to winning, hurts more than anything else. My coaches were so proud of me and encouraged me while I was bawling my eyes out. The dismay of being a state runner up encouraged me to strive for more.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I have faced a lot of great competitors, but my biggest competition this year would be at the meet of champions and Wingfoot mile. Everyone is equally as good or better.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
The most significant accomplishment to me throughout HS is having the opportunity to speaking at one of the most enormous FCA in the country, sharing the love of Christ to more than 200 individuals at Alexander HS. I was sweating without even warming up, more nervous than I have ever been before a race. In track, my most stand out accomplishments would be; breaking 2:10 in the 800m, breaking 5 in the mile and last but not the least, breaking 18:30 in the 5K it was such a distance mark to me giving the history of my past XC seasons
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I wouldn't a change a thing if giving a choice to because I believe that God causes everything to happen for a reason; every failure, every injury, every bad race, every set back, every disappointment helped build me up to the person in am right now.
What will you miss the most?
I will really miss the support of me teachers, administrations, teammates, and the parents on my team. My coaches most importantly. They have all pour out so much into me. Though I can never repay them for any of it, but I pray God blessed all of them mightily for showing me so much kindness, love, and compassion.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Being a young athlete is hard; you're so naïve about many things, and lack of experience. But trust in the process, listening to your coaches. It's ok to have a bad race everyone does but don't let how you do on the track define who you are, you're so much valuable than your athletic abilities. Keep in mind that you can't control how the girl/guy next to you race, you can only control your input; do your best, and trust God to do the rest. Have fun.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches have played a huge impact on my athletic success. Coach Duncan one of my coaches took it upon himself not to only be my coach but also to help and encourage me with my walk with Christ. I can't even explain how Coach Robinson has impacted my success on the track and on the course. He have been with me through every step of the way, he believed in me even when I don't believe in myself. He took it upon himself to not only be my coach but also a dad to me. He is one of the best in coaches in the world and I am extremely blessed I was coached by him, and in way still will be.
What are your post-high school plans?
I will be attending Kennesaw state in the fall and I'm extremely excited to be joining their XC and track team but just trusting God to direct my path.
Shout-Outs?
Shout out to Brynne Sumner for running the fastest 800m time ever in GA
class of 2018!! We did it
A special thank you to; Coach Robinson, Duncan, Ben Higginbotham, Mike Camp, Kathleen Arnold,