- April 25, 2024
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FPC's Jada Williams at the cross country state final. Courtesy photo
When Flagler Palm Coast cross country’s Jada Williams runs, she enters a mental bubble. She focuses on each breath, each stride until the race is over.
But she wasn’t always like this.
As a freshman last season, she had a difficult time staying positive.
“When would the race be over? I’m so tired,” she used to think.
“It definitely takes a lot of mental strength,” Williams said. “You really have to have a positive mindset if you want to improve.”
In her sophomore season, Williams became the top runner for the Bulldogs’ girls team, and was the only FPC runner to qualify for the Class 4A FHSAA Cross Country State Final.
At first she was nervous to compete without any of her teammates competing alongside her. But she had a lot of support, regardless. In addition to her coaches, mother and brother, three of her teammates showed up to cheer her on.
Williams arrived in Tallahassee on Friday, Nov. 8 — the day before the final — to go through a practice run on the course at Apalachee Regional Park.
“It definitely takes a lot of mental strength. You really have to have a positive mindset if you want to improve.”
JADA WILLIAMS, Bulldogs cross country
Just before the finish line is a large hill. Williams practiced her strides up the hill relentlessly before. She struggled.
The nerves stayed with her until the beginning of the race. But with the crack of the starter’s pistol, the jitters melted away — even when she faced the daunting hill.
“I was prepared for it,” she said. “It ended up being just another hill.”
Williams completed the 5,000-meter course in 19 minutes, 19.1 seconds, which earned her a 26th-place finish.
Her goal for next season is to drop below the 19-minute mark.
“If I put more time and effort into it, I feel like I can get really good,” she said.
