Ashlyn Boothby, a senior at Scotts Valley High and two-time California Division 4 all-state cross country honoree as well as the returning state runner-up in the 1,600 meters, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing Oct. 7 in the Bill Buettner girls championship race at the 44th ASICS Clovis Invitational at Woodward Park in Fresno. Boothby finished seventh in last year's Bill Buettner girls championship race in 17:44.3 on the 5-kilometer layout, as the top nine competitors in the field are all scheduled to return. She also boasts a personal-best 17:27.1 effort at Woodward Park from her third-place finish in the 2021 Division 4 state championship race. Boothby shares how much she has learned in her career about competing at Woodward Park and being able to handle the challenges of the course. She also explains her motivation to produce a faster time and not being afraid to be ambitious and courageous early in the race when it comes to pushing the pace. Boothby examines the strength and depth of Division 4, with JSerra, Oaks Christian and La Canada among the top teams, along with returning athletes Payton Godsey of Oaks Christian, Chiara Dailey from La Jolla, Maya DeBrouwer of La Canada, Jesse Redding from Colfax, Renae Searls of Martinez Alhambra and recent transfers Sophie Polay and Chloe Elbaz joining a JSerra lineup led by Brynn Garcia. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to compete once more against Sadie Engelhardt of Ventura, Rylee Blade from Corona Santiago, Hanne Thomsen of Santa Rosa Montgomery and Gioana Lopizzo from La Costa Canyon, as well as her fellow Division 4 peers, prior to the postseason. Boothby also highlights the potential for Scotts Valley at the Central Coast Section Division 4 final, as well as the state championship meet in November. She also analyzes the challenges of balancing her college recruiting and making official visits, in addition to her academic commitments, training, competition, nutrition, rest and recovery. Boothby speaks about how valuable it is to have two siblings and a supportive family who understand the college recruiting process and her ambitions to have a decision made during the fall cross country season. She also looks forward to challenging for a Division 4 state title Nov. 25 and competing at a national meet in December.