Athlete of the Week: Katie Kopec breaks school record in 800-meter race one week after breaking two other records

Whitney High track and field junior Katie Kopec has consistently been the top distance runner for the Wildcats and she broke two school records at the Dublin Distance Fiesta in the 1,600 and 3,200-meter races. She ran a 4:59 in the one-mile race and 10:44 in the two-mile race. Kopec followed up that performance by breaking another Whitney record in the 800-meter race, running a 2:16 on March 25 at the Bella Vista Bronco Distance and Pole Vault Carnival. Her distance and cross-country coach, Jerry Dodge, explained what makes Kopec special as a person and as a runner. "Even as Katie is winning big races, setting records and making all-time lists, she doesn't act like a superstar," Dodge said. "We value this very highly because it translates into Katie being exceedingly coachable. Katie listens, she trusts the process and is always eager for direction on workouts and races. She is a coach's dream and truly a student of the sport and understands there's a lot more to it than just working hard and being fast. That humility resonates directly with how Katie values her team, not just her fellow top girls but every runner." Gold Country Media asked Kopec some questions. Her answers follow. What is the best part about running track at Whitney High? Kopec: "Having so many people around me that are constantly supportive and love running just as much as I do! With our team being so large, it allows me to get to know so many incredible people that I would have probably never even spoken to beforehand. Along with that, the coaching staff at Whitney pushed me to be the very best runner and person I can be." How long have you been running/racing competitively and who is your biggest motivation? Kopec: "Since my freshman year of high school, I've loved running ever since I was a little kid. My biggest motivation has to be my little sister, Ava. Ava is definitely the toughest and hardest-working person I know." You've had the opportunity to compete in both cross-country and track with Ava. How great of an experience has it been this year to race with her and explain your relationship together on and off the track? Kopec: "It has been incredible having her by my side when it comes to racing and training. She always pushes me to be better and encourages me to work the very hardest I can. Outside of running, we are extremely close. I know I can lean on her when things don't go my way and her support means the world to me." You also ran cross-country in the fall and won the individual section championship. Do you have any favorite cross-country courses in the area? Kopec: "Woodward Park definitely has to be one of my favorite cross-country courses because that is where the State Championships are held each year and the competition is unmatched." What are your plans/hopes for after high school? Kopec: "I hope to run at a university at the Division I level and push myself to go outside of my comfort zone and grow as a person while trying my best to travel the world once I graduate." Do you have any offers or schools in mind? Kopec: "The recruiting process has been so exciting but I'm not sure where I want to go just yet." Do sports run in your family? If so, who has played and at what levels? Kopec: "My family is full of talented athletes and especially runners. My grandfather and my father both ran in college, which is a reason I'm so motivated to follow in their footsteps to do the same." Have you been involved in other sports? Kopec: "When I was younger, I played almost every sport you can think of. I focused mainly on soccer until about eighth-grade when I realized that running was something that I enjoyed even more." What are your biggest strengths as a runner? Kopec: "My mental toughness. When I'm racing or even in workouts, I try to always do my very best, even if I'm mentally or physically hurting. This helps me dig down and pull out all the stops I have left." Do you have a favorite race you've been in track-wise or a favorite memory from your high school track career up to this point? Kopec: "My recent race at Dublin where I was able to break five minutes in the mile for the very first time. Not only was that very exciting but I got to see some really talented runners run their very best while cheering on my teammates and friends." What is your favorite class/subject in school and why? Kopec: "Psychology which is what I plan to major in while in college, as of right now. The way in which the human brain works and processes is something that has always piqued my interest." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Kopec: "A few of my all-time favorites have to be SZA, Dominic Fike and Rex Orange County." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Kopec: "My favorite food is pasta and one of my favorite places to get it is at Noodles & Co., especially as a pre-race day dinner. It's the perfect runner's meal!" Outside of school and sports, what do you like to do in your free time? Kopec: "I like to watch movies, plan day trips with friends and make an impact in my community. One of the things I have been prioritizing this year has been my involvement in the Students of the Year campaign with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Here, I get to raise my money alongside my friends and classmates to go toward patients and families affected by a variety of blood cancers nationwide." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Kopec: "I'm not entirely sure but marketing and psychology interest me so hopefully something to do with that would be great." If you had a piece of advice for other high school athletes, what would you tell them? Kopec: "Work hard and trust your coaches. It's not always easy to push yourself at practice and in games but also when you get home. It's important to stay healthy and avoid injury, even if it isn't always the most fun thing you can be doing. Without my coaches, I would be nowhere near the athlete I am today, so trusting them is something I stand by."