At the age of six, sophomore Alyssa Duhart watched her older sister run for cross country and win state. Duhart was inspired to do the same thing when she became a high schooler. At age 15, Duhart has gone to state in track, and competed at the Junior Olympics during the summer.

“I feel great when I run,” Duhart said. “I am always motivated and pumped up.”

Duhart’s favorite part about track and cross country is working with other people.

“I love how they [track and cross country] are team-based sports and how I can work out,” Duhart said. “Everybody builds good relationships with each other.”

Much of Duhart’s training is through her family, particularly her father.

“My person trainer is my dad,” Duhart said. “He does whatever he needs to do to help me be more successful.”

Along with her sister, the third runner in the family is Duhart’s cousin, who lives across the country.

“I never get to compete against her, since she lives far away,” Duhart said. “But even though we both are competitive, we also support each other and enjoy seeing each other as well.”

Cross country coach Chryste Gaines finds Duhart to be a team player.

“Alyssa is not only superb student athlete, she encourages her teammates to be and to do better,” Coach Gaines said.

Duhart trains to run on her own as well as part of a team.

“I ran unattached so I basically represent myself,” Duhart said. “But I ran with Frisco Heat, which is a track based team here in Frisco.”

The Junior Olympics took place in August, in Houston, where she competed in the 500 and 800 meter races.

“I love both of them, but the 800 is my favorite race, because I won it during state,” Duhat said. “The 1500 is fun as well because it is similar to the mile, but faster.”

There were over 60 competitors from around the country, and Duhart was chosen to be one of the eight finalists.

“I got second in the 1500 meter and I was boxed in the 800, placing ninth,” Duhart said. “It was really crowded in the start of the race, so I couldn’t get by some of the girls at the start.”

Duhart found the Junior Olympics to be a life changing experience for her.

“This was a really big step in my life,” Duhart said. ‘It made me realize how many talented athletes there are across the country.”

Planning to continue running throughout the rest of her high school career, Duhart is considering taking her running to the next level after college.

“I’ve become more competitive, and I always know I can do better,” Duhart said. “Even when I’m having a bad day, my newfound confidence pushes me.”

Coach Gaines thinks Duhart can medal in both cross country and track throughout her high school career.

“I can see her becoming a four-time state champion in track, and a three, if not two, time champion in cross country,” Coach Gaines said.