VYPE: After finishing top 20 at state last year, what are your goals for this season?
Quinn Thomason: Finishing top 20 at state last year was a great feeling! This year, I am hoping to make All-State! It would also be amazing if we could get as many girls as possible close to the top 20 as a team!
VYPE: How did you get into running? How old were you and who introduced you to the sport?
QT: Running has always been a part of my life. I began playing soccer at a very young age and I always had a high level of endurance. Noticing this, my mom encouraged me to try out for the track team in eighth grade. It was so much fun and my coaches convinced me to join the high school cross country team. Since then, I have never looked back, and I am so grateful!
VYPE: Your coaches call you a “spark plug” for the rest of the team. How did you earn that reputation, and why is it important to you?
QT: I am honored my coaches think of me in such a way! I try hard to be the best leader I can for the team. I realize, as a senior, my words and actions influence the mindset for the rest of the team. It is important to me that our team always gives maximum effort with a positive attitude, so I will do whatever I can do to encourage that!
VYPE: Who’s your favorite professional athlete?
QT: My favorite professional athlete is Carli Lloyd, former US Women’s National Soccer Team captain. She is so inspiring to me because she has the greatest work ethic and determination of anyone I have heard of. I think everyone, no matter the sport, should read about her career!
VYPE: We hear you’re also a pretty good soccer player! How do you handle that balance?
QT: Honestly, it was difficult learning how to balance two highly demanding, competitive sports. It was so helpful to have supportive coaches and teammates. My freshman and sophomore years, I had one teammate in particular who was in the same situation as I was. Andie Humes was a huge help to me and always willing to offer advice. After gaining experience and getting into a routine, I have no regrets competing in both sports!
VYPE: What position do you play in soccer?
QT: Midfielder.
VYPE: What are your goals for your senior year?
QT: I hope to win state for the third year in a row, and our fourth in program history! As a team, we also hope to qualify for NXR, and it would be a dream come true to go on to NXN. Other than that, I am trying to soak up all the memories I can my senior year!
VYPE: What are your goals after high school?
QT: I am verbally committed to play soccer at Northeastern State University! It is a longtime dream of mine to play college soccer, and I could not be more excited! I plan on studying to become a physical therapist.
VYPE: What’s one place everybody should visit in Owasso, Oklahoma?
QT: I think one place everyone should go in Owasso is, of course, an Owasso Cross Country meet! They are so much more fun than people realize, and we always appreciate the support!
Photo by Kristen Weber Photography
