Santa Maria’s Kristen Aleman and Julissa Garcia will be representing the Lady Cougars at the UIL state track meet in Austin this weekend.
The sophomore duo will compete on Saturday with Aleman running in the 1600-meter run and the 3200-meter, and Garcia competing in the 400-meter dash.
Many may remember Aleman after running an inspiring race at last year’s state competition where the then-freshman placed fourth.
Since then, Aleman has used that defining moment as inspiration for her sophomore season, which already includes a bronze medal at the UIL state cross country meet this past year.
However, this time around Aleman won’t be alone in Austin as teammate Julissa Garcia will join her.
Garcia just missed out on the state meet last season and was determined not to miss out again this time around.
Garcia’s mother, Jessica Hernandez, also qualified for the state championships in the late 1990s. Hernandez qualified in the 800-meter run in 1995, 96 and 97, winning two bronze medals and one silver.
The Star had a chance to catch up with the sensational sophomores before they headed out to Austin.
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JULISSA
Q: This is your first time competing at the state level. What were your initial thoughts when you qualified?
JULISSA: As I crossed the finish line in second place, knowing that I was going to qualify for the state meet, I was overwhelmed but the whole thing still hasn’t processed in my head and I don’t think it will until I’m actually there.
Q: Last season you missed out on the opportunity to compete in Austin. How did that motivate you heading into this season and how did you prepare differently this time around?
JULISSA: Last year my times were promising for making it to the state meet, but unfortunately I didn’t qualify. This year I knew that I had a really good chance of making it and I convinced myself that I was going to improve my times at every race in order to make that happen.
Q: How do you motivate yourself before a race?
JULISSA: I think of my competition and find ways to dominate them, and prepare myself mentally to execute.
Q: What is the toughest thing that you have had to overcome and how did you do it?
JULISSA: The toughest thing I’ve had to overcome was the loss of my father at a very young age and thinking of how my life would be if he were still here. If he were, I would’ve never known some loved ones I know now and I can’t imagine my life without them.
KRISTEN
Q: Last season you ran a great race and just missed out on taking the medal stand by finishing fourth in the in the 800-meter run. How did that prepare you for this season?
KRISTEN: Finishing fourth and coming short of standing on that podium definitely gave me the moral boost I needed in hopes of returning and improving my performance for the upcoming track season.
Q: Earlier this year you took home the bronze medal at the state cross country meet. Has that experience helped you in track this season?
KRISTEN: Yes, it has undoubtedly helped me this track season. Winning bronze not only reassured me of what I was capable of achieving, but it also helped me make the minor changes I needed in order to excel in track as well.
Q: What is your greatest strength?
KRISTEN: I would have to say that my greatest strength is my hard work ethic and my teammates. The distance or how fast I must run will not affect my will to push beyond what is expected of me. My teammates, above all, are what keep me thriving. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their unconditional love and support.
Q: You have performed very well during your youth athletic career. What is your motivation?
KRISTEN: Qualifying and medaling at the state meet has always been my motivation as a runner from a very young age. Getting past the obstacles that fall between are what I look forward to overcoming and making every race count.
