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Fort Bend Travis' Hazel Vowell
RUNNING WITH A PURPOSE: Travis' Hazel Vowell Chasing More Than a PR
"I really love the community in cross country," Vowell said. "I love being able to go out, run my race, work hard, and push the other girls around me, then come back afterward and congratulate everyone."
That community has helped Vowell navigate the challenges that come with being a competitive runner. She's learned that success requires discipline and sacrifice, but also balance.
"As I've gotten older, I've had to learn how to prioritize God, my family, and school before running," she said. "Running will always be one of my top priorities, but those three things will always come first."
Vowell enters the season with ambitious goals. After running a personal-best 18:19 last season, she's targeting a sub-18-minute performance at the state meet.
"I don't think I was fully prepared for the hills and difficulty of the state course," she said. "This year, my coach and I are approaching my training differently to better prepare me for that challenge."
Carmen Agnew (VYPE)
She also has her sights set on winning districts and finishing in the top five at regionals. But at state, the number on the clock matters most.
"Wherever that time puts me in the standings, I'll be proud of it because I know it means I've made significant progress," Vowell said.
Running may dominate her schedule, but Vowell is a creative soul away from the course. She loves to crochet, particularly making handmade gifts for friends and family, and she enjoys writing poetry.
She also has a deep passion for animals. After volunteering at an animal clinic in Sugar Land over the summer, Vowell's career goal became even clearer. A member of FFA at Travis, she hopes to become a veterinarian and eventually combine her love for animals with a career helping them.
"I hope to combine my love for animals with my desire to make a difference in their lives," she said.
Before and after races, Vowell often turns to worship music.
"It gives me a chance to slow down, connect with God, and find some clarity before I compete," she said. "It helps me calm my mind, refocus, and remind myself that running is important to me, but it isn't everything."
That's perhaps the biggest lesson Vowell has learned through running.
The times matter. The medals matter. The goals matter. But they aren't everything.
Ten years from now, Vowell dreams of competing in the Olympics and starting her own veterinary practice. She knows those are big goals, but she's willing to work for them while remaining open to wherever life takes her.
"I want to stay open-minded and trust that God has a plan for my life," she said. "Wherever life takes me, I hope I can embrace it, work hard, and be happy with what God has given me."
For now, Vowell will keep chasing 18 minutes. But she's running toward something much bigger, too.
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VYPE AWARDS: Public School Cross Country presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Staucie Lees, Grand Oaks
Emily Ellis, Bridgeland
Carly Ahrens, Kingwood
Lydia Butler, Klein Oak
Stoya Laydevant, The Woodlands
Sophia Nguyen, George Ranch
Rowan Saacke, Tompkins
Laney Nash, Tomball
Elina Bailey, Kingwood Park
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Public School Boys Cross Country Team
Jack Boyd, Klein Oak
Oliver Maldonado, Atascocita
Reese Vannerson, Strake Jesuit
Michael Archie Atascocita
Pablo Lessarri, The Woodlands
Straton Miller, The Woodlands
Sam Golla, Clear Lake
Thierry Garcon, Cy Ranch
Ben Montgomery, Bridgeland
Carter Gordy, Lake Creek
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GIRLS RUNNER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
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BOYS RUNNER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
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Watch the video below to find out who won the Private School Cross Country VYPE Awards presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is Houston's leading provider of orthopedic services, from sports medicine to joint replacement. Houston Methodist offers comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative services with a high standard of excellence for elite athletes, active adults and student athletes. Houston Methodist serves as the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Rice Athletics, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera.