Athlete of the Week Triad High School

Name: Allyssa Eaton

School: Triad High School

Grade: 12

Age: 18

Sports: Football cheerleading, volleyball, basketball cheerleading, track, AAU tumbling

Claim to fame/honors: 2x regional qualifier in high jump, UCA All American cheerleader, UCA staff member, 2nd place at the state tumbling meet

Words you live by: "Don't look back, you're not going that way."

Toughest opponent: My own self confidence. High jump is a very big mind game for me. I tend to scare myself before I jump.

Biggest influence: My mom has been my biggest influence throughout these past four years. Her encouragement and little pep talks before every meet have always helped me remain positive. My coach, Payton Printz, has also been an influence in my high jump career. He has always pushed me to reach my goals of breaking the school record and qualifying for the state meet.

Game-day rituals: On the day of a meet, I typically always try to eat a good breakfast and drink lots of water. I try to keep my mind off of high jump so I don't get too nervous throughout the day.

What's on your bedroom walls: Pictures of my family and friends, a couple gymnastics posters and a few canvases with inspirational quotes

When I'm bored I like to … Hang out with my four younger siblings, watch Netflix or go to gymnastics

Favorite movie: The Notebook

Person who would play you in a movie: Julianne Hough.

Favorite TV show: One Tree Hill and Grey's Anatomy

Favorite musical artist: Shania Twain

Favorite book: Gone Girl

Favorite home-cooked meal: Biscuits and gravy

Favorite restaurant: Canes

Whose mind would you like to read: Jesse Owens'

Place where you'd love to travel: I hope to travel all around the world one day.

Talent you'd like to have: I would love to be able to sing well.

Favorite school subject: Math and Science

Favorite athlete: Nastia Liukin

Favorite team: Ohio State Buckeyes

Something in the world I'd like to change: Drug abuse in my local community

Favorite sports moment: My favorite moment in my track career was when Coach Printz gave me a piece of duct tape about two inches long and told me that this length was all the higher I needed to jump to reach my goal of the school record. This moment replays in my head every time before I attempt 5' or 5'2.

Favorite junk food: Ice cream

Best thing about your favorite sport: I love the atmosphere of any track meet. Cheering on other athletes and meeting new people is always so fun, but when it is time for your event you get to focus and perform your best. I truly enjoy the sport itself.

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