Running With Shea

Shea Worley: athlete, teammate and varsity cross country runner. 

Worley started her running career at age seven when she ran her first 5k. She continued running and eventually ran her first half marathon when she was 12.

“My family is very involved in running and are constantly pushing one and other to get better,” said Worley, a sophomore.

This is what inspired her to start running. 

Since she loved running so much Worley took the opportunity to become a cross country runner. So, her first year at South she tried out for the team. 

“I have been on varsity since freshman year and was the only freshman on the girl’s team,” said Worley. 

Although her love for running is strong, Worley says balancing it with school can be “stressful” and “a lot sometimes.” To get her schoolwork done efficiently, she does homework in tutorial, right after practice, and anytime she gets the chance.

Worley said, “Tutorial is a great place to get things done since practice takes up so much of my afternoon. Since I have time during the school day to work I usually get things done and don’t have a lot of homework.”

On top of balancing school work and cross country every day, XC is known to be a very challenging sport.

“Cross country is one of the hardest sports. It challenges you both mentally and physically,” said Worley. 

Worley pushes herself to keep running because of her team and coaches. One person that pushes Worley the hardest is her friend Skyelar Nelson, junior. 

“If I didn’t join cross country I wouldn’t have met Skyelar. I am so thankful to have met her and am lucky to have someone like her in my life,” says Worley. 

Worley is not only a good runner, but she is also is a good teammate. 

“She is definitely one of my favorite people on the team. She is always positive and constantly is looking to make people’s days better,” said Nelson. 

Worley does many things to be positive. Nelson’s favorite thing she does is dance on the start line before a race because it alleviates the pre-race stress. 

“Having her on the team gives me a reason to make myself better,” said Nelson “since she always pushes herself to give 110% it inspires me to do the same.”