As the track season begins, senior Nevaeh Fox is embracing every moment with a sense of urgency and purpose. For Fox, this year is about more than just times and finishes, it is about making every opportunity count.
“My mindset this year is to make everything count, no matter if it’s practice or race day. Being a senior, I know these are my last opportunities to compete with this team, so I’m really focused on enjoying the moment and showing the girls what consistency can prove,” said Fox.
A key member of the distance squad, Fox specializes in events that demand both physical endurance and mental strength. She has set clear personal goals for the season while keeping the team’s success at the forefront.
“I want to keep improving my times in the 800 and the mile, staying present, as well as pushing myself to what I know I can achieve. For the team, my goal is for us to have a strong season by supporting one another, and I definitely see us making it all the way to the State Championship,” said Fox.
Fox’s leadership goes beyond performance. She works to set the tone for the team, especially during the more difficult days.
“Some practices and even meets can be rough, so I try my best to lead by example. Showing up every day with a positive mindset can have a huge impact on performance. Keeping everyone motivated with that runner’s high is what I hope to bring to the team this season,” said Fox.
That mindset is especially important in distance running, where mental toughness can make all the difference.
“Distance is definitely more mental than anything. Breaking races into smaller parts and staying relaxed is helpful rather than trying to calculate how much farther or how many more laps you have to run mid-race. I remind myself that there will be discomfort; if there weren’t, it would mean I could go further,” said Fox.
Transitioning from cross country in the fall to track in the spring brings its own challenges, but Fox sees it as an advantage.
“The transition from cross-country to track is about shifting from endurance to more speed-focused training. It’s challenging at first, but the fall season of cross country builds a strong base for the faster workouts in track,” said Fox.
As her high school career winds down, Fox is already looking ahead. She plans to continue running at the collegiate level at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, where she will compete in both cross country and track.
“I couldn’t be more grateful, and these girls, especially the 4×800 relay, will forever be the reason why I have made it to where I am today and wherever I will be same time next year,” said Fox.
With her final season underway, Fox is not just chasing times, she is leaving a legacy of leadership, resilience, and positivity for the next generation of runners to follow.
