For Ada sophomore runner Mynni Dickinson, this year is all about growth and determination. “My personal goal for this year would probably be to improve my time and hopefully go to state,” she said. That ambition fuels her each day in practice and competition, setting the tone for the season ahead.
Being part of a team is just as important to Dickinson as the individual results. “The morale has been nothing but amazing as a team. I think we support each other so well and that is what is amazing about us,” she said. That bond has only strengthened over time. “The biggest improvement from my team is that we got so close with each other so fast! All our times have improved so much it is very fundamental.”
Together, the Cougars have clear goals in mind. “The team’s goal this year is just to keep shaving off time until state at every practice and every meet we have,” Dickinson said. That mission comes alive through their collective spirit. “I think our biggest strength would probably be encouraging one another.”
For her part, Dickinson embraces leadership. “The role I play on this team is to get the girls better as a whole and to set a good pace for everyone and be the lead pacer for the girls, and to encourage everyone at their highest and lowest time,” she explained. That means approaching every course with strategy. “The thing I look for is how many hills and how much downhill there is because that gets me mentally and physically prepared for the race.”
Preparation, for Dickinson, goes beyond physical training. “I usually close my eyes and imagine how I am going to run the race; I also listen to worship music because without God I wouldn’t be able to do any of this!” she said. Faith also shapes her competitive mindset. “My mindset when I step on the track is if I think I can do this, I can do anything I set my mind to do, because even though you might think you can’t do it doesn’t mean your body can’t because it can!”
Her dream is to leave a lasting impression. “I want my legacy to be the girl who can do anything she sets her mind to.”
For now, Dickinson is focused on the journey. “My favorite memory in my uniform is when I crossed the finish line knowing I got my first medal. I knew I had pushed myself so hard that it was magical even though I thought I was going to die, lol!”
