Senior Ashley Faller sprints for joy after being accepted to UCSD. Photo by Joud Baghal.
By Tara Choe, Staff Writer
Ever since she step foot on the track, senior Ashley Faller has dedicated her life to running. She has been a member of Fountain Valley High School’s (FVHS) varsity cross country and track team since freshman year.
When she was young, she participated in soccer programs that sparked her interest on the concept of running. At Fulton Middle School, she was a part of the track team for three years where she placed high in her races against Talbert and Masuda Middle School.
In eighth grade, Faller decided to focus on running as soon as she entered into high school. Throughout her time at FVHS, running became an important part of her life.
“It’s a part of my life right now that is irreplaceable. I feel empty without it and I care about it a lot,” said Faller.
The FVHS cross country team has been a huge influence in Faller’s life. She formed strong bonds with teammates and was part of a team that have encouraged and pushed each other to their best abilities.
“This year has been so good. When I come to practice, I can just talk and hangout with my entire team, it’s just so much fun. It lifts my mood and my team helps me go through anything,” said Faller.
Faller is one of the captains for the varsity cross country team this year, and she has been able to set goals not only for herself but for the whole team. With so much work put into every practice, the team was able to make it to state and achieve their goal for this season.
Faller received offers from colleges track teams and scholarship opportunities and around the beginning of February, she decided to commit to UC San Diego to be a part of their track team.
At UCSD, she intends on majoring in bioengineering and becoming a full-time student athlete where she will balance studying and training at the same time.
“The hardest challenge will be the training regiment since, from high school to college athletics, the training is a lot more rigorous. It’s going to be a tough adjustment, but I’ll prioritize certain things and get them done,” said Faller.
Though she is taking the next, big step in her life, Faller will always contribute her success to FVHS.
“League finals for cross country last year, our entire varsity team came as a pack. That is very rare, and usually people are spread out, but the goal is always to stay as a pack. Our pack was close that five of us came one by one. It was a good show of our teamwork, and [I was] very proud of that moment. We ended up winning League finals,” said Faller.
“I am very excited. [Running is] a part of my life and a part of who I am,” said Faller.
