Vikes Sorrell Is More Than A Leader
Squatting in her ready position, she waits for the signal gun to fire.
Loudoun Valley senior Jen Sorrell knows that this spring she has a considerable reputation to defend. A school record-holder and captain of the Vikings track team, Sorrell enters the spring season aiming to make a splash at the Group AAA Northern Region and state competitions.
A rubber track and spiked shoes haven't always been her forte. Until her freshman year at Loudoun Valley, in fact, she was a devoted soccer player and intended to play for the school team. But after being cut from the soccer team, she turned to track, where she could apply the sprinting ability she acquired while on the pitch.
"I never really ran distance," Sorrell said. "But I have a lot of respect for the kids who do."
A four-year competitor in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter events, Sorrell broke through in her second year at the Purcellville school. As a sophomore in 2005, Sorrell set the school record in the 400 with a time of 59.5 seconds.
That same season, Sorrell received the opportunity to represent the Vikings at the state level, placing seventh at the Group AA state meet in the 400 while helping Loudoun Valley's 4x400 relay team to first place with a 4:01.8 second time.
The 2006 season was slightly more difficult as Loudoun Valley was moved to the Group AAA National District. But even against a tougher competition, Sorrell was able to remain on top, gaining the captain position and holding her title as the team's top sprinter in the 100, 200 and 400.
Vikings girls track coach Kent Staneart has embraced Sorrell, saying that this year you can expect her to be the "anchor leg" on both the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams in addition to her individual events.
Through his nine years of coaching experience, including time as the head coach at Montrose Christian Academy in Maryland, Staneart has seen a lot of competition. He claims that Sorrell's determination in the one quality that allows her to thrive.
"She's devoted her athletic life to track," the coach said. "Her main athletic focus is on track and field and therefore she puts the energy into it that she needs to succeed."
Those persistent qualities may pay off in the long run. Sorrell would like to continue running past high school, and has been offered financial assistance to attend the Naval Academy. She is also waiting to here back from her two top school choices, the University of Mary Washington and the College of William and Mary.
One thing is for sure, this year should yield more positive achievements for the Vikings' girls team. And at the head of that success should be their seasoned veteran.
"It's tougher being a leader because everyone looks up to you as an example," Sorrell said. "But it's also helped me build more character, because being in that position inspired me to work harder."
Loudoun Calley will kick off its 2007 season at the Jim Taylor Relays in Jefferson County on Mar. 24.
