Striding for greatness, cross country runner Ivanova Yanes has achieved All-Conference once again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from all of the accolades she has earned during her career, there is a reason behind why she runs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEver since I can remember, running has been part of my life. My parents both loved to run \u2014 in fact, they actually met at a running club in Venezuela. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and came to the U.S. when I was 15, where I finished high school in Hollywood, Fla.,\u201d Yanes said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Family bond and connection continued to be a huge influence in Yanes\u2019s life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy mom was a competitive runner in Venezuela and was recognized as one of the top distance runners there. My dad was also a great runner in college; he qualified for nationals and even competed in races outside the country. Growing up, I would watch my parents race. They\u2019d bring me to the park while they trained, and after they finished running, we\u2019d play together. Eventually, I wanted to run too,\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yanes has consistently been a factor for the Javelina Cross Country team for the past three years, her consistency and drive to succeed has placed her at the very top of the hill for Women\u2019s Cross Country at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIvanova is our most decorated female distance athlete. She has held or holds almost every school record above the women\u2019s 800 and absolutely destroyed most of the records,\u201d Assistant Cross Country Coach Zachary Hall said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coach Hall has coached Ivanova for quite some time seeing through every major accomplishment in her collegiate career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCoaching Iva over these last six years has been awesome. She has come a very long way since our time in South Florida,\u201d Hall said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from the support from her coaches, teammates and family, Yanes finds strength in her faith, and credits it for her will to succeed and continue to run as hard as she does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOver time, my passion for running has grown beyond just competition. Every time I run, I feel free. It\u2019s a way for me to clear my mind and connect with God. Running gives me peace, and it\u2019s often when I feel closest to Him – especially on the easy runs. Now, my passion for running remains because every time I run, I feel free. It helps me let go of whatever is going on in my day, and the best part is that I feel closer to God when I\u2019m running \u2014 it\u2019s a great time to talk to Him. I also love the challenge of pushing myself beyond what I think I\u2019m capable of. It always amazes me how the body can go further than we imagine when we stay disciplined and believe in ourselves,\u201d Yanes said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through Yanes\u2019s iron will to succeed, she lifts her teammates around her up, encouraging them to run to the best of their abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTraining with Iva is always so inspiring because she works so hard and never makes excuses. Being on the team with Iva has taught me what the perfect teammate is, she shows up on the field and the track. While preforming she always supports and encourages her teammates,\u201d junior runner Ella Hester said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only do Yanes\u2019s teammates appreciate her, but she appreciates them, and credits them for why she\u2019s able to stay disciplined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThroughout the season, I\u2019ve had my highs and lows, but looking back, all the hard work over the years has been worth it. I\u2019m so thankful for my teammates \u2014 the women\u2019s team is amazing and always brightens my day, and the guys\u2019 team is hilarious. They keep things fun and make me laugh, which makes training even more enjoyable. Seeing both teams show up to practice motivated and ready to work has really inspired me to stay disciplined,\u201d Yanes said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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