Victoria Terrazas named to All-State, Elite cross country teams
BY BILL KELLY
Dalhart Texan
With the end of cross country season, different organizations began announcing different superlatives recognizing individual runners who had outstanding seasons. Dalhart senior Victoria Terrazas was named to two different All- State teams, and was also named to an even more exclusive team that only includes seven runners.
Terrazas was named to two different All- State teams, and was also named to an even more exclusive team that only includes seven runners. Terrazas was named to the Class 3A All-State team immediately after the State Cross Country Championships by the Texas Cross Country Coaches Association (CCCAT) for placing in the top 15 as she finished in 11th place. She was named to the Texas Girls Coach Association (TGCA) Class 3A All-State team a few weeks later, her third straight year being named to that team.
After being named All-State by both the CCCAT and TGCA, Terrazas received an even bigger reward. She was named to the Class 3A Elite Team by the Texas High School Coaches Association. Terrazas is one of only seven runners on the Elite Team, and she is the first Dalhart runner to ever be named to the team.
Terrazas felt privileged to be receive all these honors. “Being named All-State by both the TGCA and CCCAT was a solemn honor,” Terrazas said. “It never gets old; being recognized for the third year in a row feels just as amazing, if not better, than the first time. Finding out after the race that I had been named All-State for CCCAT felt different, especially after learning I missed the podium by just one spot. It reminded me that every step and every mile still matters.”
Terrazas wasn’t even aware that one of her honors was even something that was possible. “When I heard that I was named to the Class 3A Cross Country Elite Team by the Texas High School Coaches Association, I was honestly shocked,” Terrazas said. “I didn’t even know the Elite Team existed, and I thought all the awards had already been announced. Finding out that only seven girls in the entire 3A class across Texas received that honor was unbelievable. It’s truly humbling to be among that group.”
Terrazas trained very hard over the summer and through the season. “During the summer, I trained like there was no tomorrow,” Terrazas said. “Every day, I pushed myself to give my best, while also learning to listen to my body and rest when needed. I always did more than what was asked at practice, running extra miles on my own, hitting the gym, and lifting weights. I believe that to be the best, you have to go beyond what’s expected and put in the work when no one’s watching. During the season, my mindset didn’t change. I continued to run on my own and kept up my strength training. As we got closer to district, regionals, and state, I focused more on sharpening my running and mental preparation.”
Terrazas gives Dalhart cross country coach Stephanie Vogel a lot of credit for how well she has done over the years. “Coach Vogel has been one of the biggest reasons for my success,” Terrazas said. “She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She knew what I was capable of, even when I doubted it. She pushed me not only physically but mentally. She’s the reason I fell in love with this sport, and truly, if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be the runner or the person I am today. She’s the kind of coach who changes lives. I am lucky I got to have her as a coach; not everyone gets a Stephanie Vogel who is as inspiring and amazing as she is.”
Terrazas also talked about her teammates and how they helped her. “ My teammates have also played a huge role in my growth,” Terrazas said. “They inspire me to be a better runner and a better person. What’s special about our team is the support; there’s no jealousy, just pride and encouragement for one another. This year was different because most of my teammates were younger, so as a senior, I had to step into more of a leadership role. We told them from the start that if they wanted to make it to state, they had to be willing to suffer and push past their comfort zones. Cross country isn’t easy; if it were, everyone would do it. But those who stay learn strength, discipline, and heart.”
Terrazas gave her family a lot of credit as well for their support. “My family has been my biggest blessing,” Terrazas said. “The reason I’ve had these opportunities is because of their constant love, support, and sacrifice. They’ve stood in the blazing heat and freezing cold just to cheer me on. They pray with me, encourage me, and remind me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I thank God every day for giving me parents like mine; people who would do anything to help their kids chase their dreams.”
Terraza hasn’t decided yet if she will continue to run in college, but running is definitely a part of her life. “As for the future, I definitely plan to keep running after high school, whether that’s in college or by entering races like 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathons,” Terrazas said. “Running defines me; it’s who I am and what keeps me grounded. It’s my therapy, my peace, and something I never want to give up. I plan to run for as long as my legs will let me.”
Terrazas had some final words as she looked back on the season. “I just want to thank everyone who has supported me, my coaches, teammates, family, Mr. Kelly for always being there no matter what, and the community,” Terrazas said. “Every word of encouragement, every prayer, every clap at the finish line, they all mean more than I can ever say. Cross country has shaped me into who I am today, and I hope to inspire younger runners to believe that with hard work, heart, and faith, anything is possible.”
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