Alyssa Deeds Set To Make Her Way To High Point

"I first got into running in the 4th grade. A couple times a year we would line up to do the pacer test and the mile run, and as a competitive kid I would always try to outlast the boys in my class."

"From there, I was encouraged by my PE teachers to join cross country and track in middle school!" 

"Throughout middle school, I ran XC and track while playing travel soccer and basketball! Once I hit high school I decided to focus on running because I loved the sport and saw a lot of potential in myself!"  

What are some of the highlights from your time competing for Twinsburg?  

"Freshman year when we made school history by winning leagues, districts, regionals, and placed 8th in the state!"

"Also, forming relationships with my teammates, going to NEO XC Camp every summer, winning leagues and districts in the 3200 last year, watching my teammates improve, and blasting music on the bus rides home from meets!"

"For academics, I plan to major in biology and possibly minor in Spanish to help prepare for medical school."

"Athletics-wise, I would like to become a key contributor on the team over the next 4 years. I see myself making the most impact and improvement by focusing on the 5k, 10k, and cross country!" 

"I want to help the team move up in the region and contribute to  them winning more team and individual Big South Conference titles!"  

What do you think you'll miss most about high school?  

"I will miss seeing my parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and siblings running around the course cheering me on every with their matching t-shirts!"

"I will also miss the weekly pasta parties on Fridays with my teammates and the endless love and support that I have received from the Twinsburg community!"

(It was all about sportsmanship between Alyssa Deeds and Vinton County's Rylee Fee following their 1-2 finish on the rigorous CVNP Invite course) 

Who's helped you get to the point where you're ready to compete at the Division 1 college level?

"It has always been a huge goal of mine to compete collegiately, so I am very excited for this next chapter! I credit most of my athletic success to Ms. Kmet who has helped me get to the fitness level I am at today! Without her sacrifices and dedication to the sport, I would not have been able to accomplish so much in just 4 years!"

"I would like to thank the doctors and therapists at Ohio Sports Chiropractic for keeping me healthy and helping me battle through my injuries!"

"I would not be where I am today without my amazing teammates, many who are competing collegiately! Personally want to thank Morgan Kelley, Angela Defabio, Ryan Adkins, and Emily O'Connor for their encouragement and leadership over the years!

"Lastly, I would also like to thank my current teammates, Katie Vasiliaskaus and Rebecca Mold for their hard work, for uplifting my spirits, and for their enthusiasm! It's been a pleasure to run with them the past four years, and I will always cherish our friendships!"

Do you have any advice for juniors and underclassmen regarding what you learned about the college recruiting process? 

"I think the most important part in a college search is finding a place where you feel like you can fit in! Nothing in life is guaranteed. A career-ending injury can happen at any moment, so it is important to find a school with supportive people and an uplifting environment that will help you through those difficult times!"

Is there anything else that you'd like to share? 

"Lastly, academics has always come first for me, but I was fortunate to find a school that offers a great balance of athletics and academics! During my visit to High Point, everyone on campus was so welcoming and the coaching staff was tremendous!"