This PCA freshman looked back at a teriffic season after winning PNJ's Athlete of the Week
Congratulations to the latest PNJ Athlete of the Week winners for the 2022-23 school year: Reagan Smith from the Pensacola Christian Academy cross country team.
The Warriors freshman runner garnered 63.54 percent of the total vote in the PNJ’s online poll held after the Oct. 24-29 playing period. Each winner is awarded a one-of-a-kind PNJ.com Athlete of the Week shirt provided by BSN SPORTS.
Smith placed fourth at the Region 1-1A meet with a time of 19:07.7. Warriors runners made up three of the top-four spots as the team captured its first-ever regional championship.
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Learn more about Smith on and off the course after she spoke with PNJ sports reporter Patrick Bernadeau. Check back later for future winners and to vote in the next PNJ Athlete of the Week poll.
Q and A with Pensacola Christian Academy's Reagan Smith
PNJ: Your cross country season officially came to an end last weekend. With that said, how would you evaluate your season as a whole?
Smith: “I’m really happy how I was able to get into the (18-minute bracket) three times. I didn’t think I’d get in the 18s, and when I did, I was super happy. But I’m also super proud of the team, we made a lot of accomplishments this year. We broke the school team record and that was really exciting.”
PNJ: What was your favorite moment of the season?
Smith: “Probably when we won regionals. That was really exciting for the first time.”
PNJ: You guys followed that by performing really well at state. What do you most remember about that meet?
Smith: “I was really excited that I got in the top 15. It was definitely my goal to medal and I was really happy that I got sub-19 at that course, too.”
PNJ: If I were to tell you at the beginning of the season that PCA would accomplish as much as you guys did, how would your expectations match up with reality?
Smith: “Before the season, we just wanted to do our best. But during the season, we were definitely putting in a lot of workouts and doing a lot of strength training and speed workouts. We really wanted to get that regional title and do really well at states. It wouldn’t have seemed real if you told me, but now that it did happen, it’s crazy.”
PNJ: Looking forward, what are some of the goals you have in mind possibly for next year?
Smith: “Definitely to get lower into the 18s. That’s one big goal for me.”
PNJ: Obviously, you run in the front with the Tutton sisters (RaeAnne and Jaimee Tutton). What is it like competing and leading the pack with them?
Smith: “It’s really nice that I have them on my team because I have to help me push myself and become stronger as a runner.”
PNJ: Who are some of the girls you most enjoy running against?
Smith: “I like racing against Elyse Carmichael from Booker T. Washington. She’s super fun to race against and she’s a really good sport, too.”
PNJ: Speaking of sports, do you play any other sports?
Smith: “I also do track and field.”
PNJ: What is it about running that you most enjoy?
Smith: “I like the competition. Running with all the other girls, it’s just a super fun time.”
PNJ: As for your teammates, who is the funniest?
Smith: “The funniest is probably Eliana Reynolds.”
PNJ: Who is the nicest teammate?
Smith: “They’re all super nice. If I had to choose one, probably Eliana.”
PNJ: Which teammate is the loudest?
Smith: “Eliana (laughs).”
PNJ: Now for some non-cross country questions. What is the bible verse that you hold closest to you?
Smith: “The bible verse that I held closest to me this year, especially during the season, is Phillppians 4:13, which is ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ It’s really encouraging, we say that verse before every meet.”
PNJ: If you had one place you could travel to, where would you go?
Smith: “I really want to go to Paris. I really want to go to the Eiffel Towel.”
PNJ: If you could switch lives with one person for one week, who would that be?
Smith: “I don’t know, I really like my life (laughs).”
PNJ: If you had one sport you could pick up and learn, what would that be?
Smith: “Probably volleyball.”
PNJ: Lastly, who motivates you the most?
Smith: “My parents motivate me a lot, especially during the season and before races. They’re super encouraging and always tell me to do my best.”
Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached at (850) 503-3828, on Twitter @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Christian's Reagan Smith wins PNJ's Athlete of the Week
