Freshman Runner Courtney Akerley Shows Big Potential

It may only be her freshman year, but cross country runner Courtney Akerley has already made her mark at Tolland High School and beyond.

The CCC East champion placed fifth in the state open, second overall in the CCC and qualified for New Englands, coming in 32nd this past weekend. And even though she hasn't hit the halfway mark of her freshman year of high school, the dedicated athlete is planning on how she can improve for next year.

"I'm going to train over the summer and push a little harder. My goal is probably to try and make All New England for next season and beat my personal record," Akerley said. Her personal best is a 19:16 5K.

Girls cross country coach Judi Lafontaine said that Akerley has a promising future ahead of her given her natural talent and commitment to her sport.

"She runs on pure talent," Lafontaine said. "And she's an extremely hard worker. She's the total package."

According to Akerley, she discovered a passion for running during middle school when she found out that sixth-graders weren't going to be allowed on the school's soccer team. She tried out for cross country instead and was hooked.

Akerley's mother, Amy, said that her daughter had excelled in soccer and basketball previously, but really surprised her when she displayed such a natural talent in cross country.

"We're still just in shock, because we're so into sports as a family, and we totally didn't know she could run," Amy said. "This year has been an amazing experience. It's just been awesome."

For Akerley, the experience has been made even sweeter with her new teammates by her side. Members from the cross country team drove to Rhode Island this past weekend to see her compete.

Akerley said that she has also grown close to senior Emily Howard, who has been passing along her competitive wisdom to the freshman.

"It's been amazing," Akerley said of getting to know her teammates. "Emily Howard basically took me under her wing. She's very smart with time and paces."

And while the support and wisdom of her teammates have certainly contributed to Akerley's success, she said that in the midst of competition, focus and drive push her on to run the best race that she can.

"I have this one quote that I keep saying in my head," she explained. "'Pain is temporary; pride is forever.'"

So far, it's certainly been a freshman year to be proud of.