Cross country head coach Kelly McNair is creating a mindful, yet challenging environment for all her runners this 2024 season after the boys finished in second place and the girls team finished third in last year’s state championship meet.
“Just trying to get our runners fresher into the races, I evaluated our program, and I’ve implemented some changes, but there is always room for improvement,” McNair said.
She describes her coaching style as “tough love” and want her athletes to get “comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Another change made to lead the team to a state championship was hiring a new assistant coach. The program hired Brandon Lee to assist McNair this upcoming season. Lee ran for Thompson High School and ran Collegiate at West Alabama. He graduated this past spring and is working hard to keep our athletes in the top shape they can be.
With over 30 runners on the boys’ team, McNair believes their talent runs deep. The cross-country team has the physical talent needed to win a race. The challenge is the mental aspect of running.
“Racing is 90 percent mental,” McNair said. “I know they are physically ready, they just have to believe in themselves.”
The teams’ first meet will be the Warrior Two-Mile in Alabaster on Aug. 29.
Gatorade’s Player of the Year, Emma Brooke Levering, has her sights set on a state championship. Levering led the girl’s team to their third place in an astounding 17:46 time and is determined to be the best this upcoming season.
“I want to break 17 minutes this year,” Levering said. “That’s my goal.”
In her second year as head coach, McNair has made it her mission to improve not only her coaching style, but also her athletes. She encourages her runners to lift and inspire one another and to push each other to be the best.
“After every single race, I ask them to reflect on it, there’s something they can take away to improve upon even if it was their worst race, they still have to find a positive event.”
At the end of the day, McNair wants her athletes to remember, “you are running for the team, not for you.”
