State Record-Breaker Aiming For A Top 10 Finish, Chance To Compete At Nationals

By Todd Grasley for DyeStat

Ava Dobson broke onto the competitive running scene unexpectedly. A former soccer player, Dobson admitted she wasn’t fully interested in the sport of cross country when a few friends mentioned she should look into it.

All that running on the pitch has paid dividends. From her sophomore to senior year at St. Joseph’s Catholic in Greensville, S.C., Dobson has amassed two track and field state championships and most recently her third consecutive SCHSL cross country title, where she set a state record and new personal best of 16:58.28.

“This season has been amazing so far,” Dobson said. “I went into it really wanting to go sub-17:30, since I thought that was the most realistic goal, but I never expected to break 17. I actually wasn't fully aware of what the exact state meet record was before my season, which Kate Niehaus held, mainly because I didn't think I'd be able to break a record of any sort.”

Once the state meet approached she felt like she had a chance to break 17 and that state record quickly became her goal. For Dobson, this year has been all about the journey, a learning experience, that she continues to learn more and more on each and every day.

“I have dealt with a couple of stress injuries -- none of them too serious but enough to put me out of competition for a few weeks,” Dobson said. “Dealing with those injuries was tough. I had to miss out on a few big cross country meets my sophomore junior year. As hard as it was, I feel like the challenge strengthened me as a runner and has given me more confidence and resilience.”

That confidence and resilience have shown up at practices and translated to success on the cross country course. A typical training week consists of a tempo run, mixed in with her normal practices, core and strength exercises, and a good bit of biking.

“I have noticed a ton of improvement from last year and the year before, as I've been able to hold faster paces more comfortably,” she said.

Next up, Dobson is hoping to crack the top 10 at the Foot Locker South Regional and earn a coveted trip to San Diego for Foot Locker Nationals. She was 16th in 2017 and 14th last year. After being disappointed the last two seasons, she would like nothing more than to advance this weekend.

“Going into it, I'm doing my best to stay calm and envision a great race, while doing some stretching and pasta-eating the day before,” she said. “From the start, I'm hoping to get up in the main pack right away and try to hit consistent paces and, hopefully, I can finish in the top 10. I know I'll have to push myself for sure, but if I keep a positive mindset, sticking to my goal is a little easier.”

Dobson will be back in North Carolina next fall as a member of UNC’s track and field and cross country program. She also considered N.C. State and hometown Clemson, but in the end, it was the Tar Heels that felt most like home.

“The team atmosphere and amazing coaching staff are really what reeled me in and has me so excited for what's to come next year,” she said.