Julia David-Smith, a senior at Issaquah High in Washington and recent University of Washington commit, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss her personal-best 17:01.91 in a season-opening 5-kilometer cross country race Sept. 25 at the Desert Daylight Invitational at Mansel Carter Oasis Park in Queen Creek, Arizona. David-Smith shares the significance of racing for the first time since June, also in Arizona, where she clocked 10:31.68 to place fourth in the 3,200 meters at the Desert Dream Last Hurrah. She expresses her excitement for returning to Arizona on Oct. 2 for the Desert Twilight Festival at The Links at Queen Creek in San Tan Valley, where she will compete again in a 5-kilometer event in the club/unattached girls sweepstakes race against elite talent from California and other states, as well as her anticipation for running under the lights. David-Smith, the reigning Washington state 4A cross country champion and Nike Cross Nationals All-American, also reveals she will run Oct. 23 in Phoenix Classic, which is expected to be her final fall race before taking time off to prepare for competition closer to home during the winter. David-Smith speaks about her recovery from a minor foot injury during the summer and how it has helped shape her training and preparation this fall. She reflects on the recruiting process and ultimately deciding on Washington, where her sister Camila David-Smith also competes and could overlap if she returns for an extra year of eligibility. Julia examines how impactful Washington coach Maurica Powell was in her decision and how much she appreciates the team culture and camaraderie in the Huskies' program. She projects what track events might hold the best opportunities for her at the Division 1 level and also the desire to potentially explore the steeplechase. David-Smith also looks ahead to a potential major in the medical field, with a possible emphasis on sports medicine. She offers gratitude for her father, Robert, traveling with her to all the meets in Arizona, and the ability to spend more time with her family and pets during the global pandemic.