Lady Mustangs senior looking for another strong run

The Grapevine girls cross country team has been on a roll recently, finishing second at state in 2014 and bringing home a state championship last season.

A big part of the Lady Mustangs’ success has been the effort of Lauren Edwards.

Edwards, 17, was the top runner on the girls side (19:43.90), finishing ninth overall, and coach Rick Miller said the Grapevine distance runner brings a lot to the table.

“She achieves at the highest level both academically and athletically,” Miller said. “Coming off a great track season, she is ready to have a big senior year. She is an excellent role model and leader for our team.”

Edwards said 2015 was an unforgettable season for the Grapevine cross country program and said it was truly the culmination of a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

“Last year was an amazing year, both in cross country and track,” Edwards said. “This state championship was the pay-off of months and months of dedication and hard training, and it gave us the motivation to go into track season with the same drive.”

Edwards said she tries to be a good role model for her younger teammates and do whatever she can to help the team be successful.

“I try to support and encourage my teammates in every way I can, from cheering them on during practice and races to helping with classes during the school year,” Edwards said. “We’ve been lucky to have strong team bonds.”

Edwards is also president of National Honor Society and takes several AP classes at Grapevine. She said she spent her offseason not just running, but working on her mental approach to competition.

“I’ve been working on improving my mental strength, because your body only does what you believe it can,” Edwards said. “Most of a race takes place in your mind, and as one of our coaches likes to say, you have to win the battle between your ears before you can ever win on the course.”

Edwards said that for her team to have a shot at repeating as state champions, it will take a few things from her and her teammates.

“We lost some amazing seniors this past year, and it’ll be important to have people step up and take their places,” Edwards said. “Our wonderful coaches keep us excited for the long season ahead, and as a team we’ll need to stay healthy and focused, and remember that every day is one step closer to our goals.”

This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Lady Mustangs senior looking for another strong run."