By Soleil Cardenas
Marbella Flores, a runner on the track and field and cross country teams had an outstanding season and made it to the Southern California Regional Finals.
Led by Coach Milton Browne, Flores and several other runners on the team were able to improve their times and qualify for state.
This season, Flores got a personal record in the 1500 meters and 5 kilometer races.
Her personal record for the 1500 meters was 4:58 and for the 5K was 18:51.
Flores began running track in high school. In her senior year, she decided she wanted to participate at the college level.
Flores is currently majoring in psychology.
She said her biggest motivation this season has been her 11 year old sister, Paloma Flores.
“Her resilience and ability to stay laughing in the toughest times inspires me to have no limits and try my best always,” Flores said.
Before meets, Flores likes to prepare either by listening to hype music or getting a pep talk from her head coach.
Despite track and field being an individual sport, Flores said her teammates were always encouraging each other on race day and even at workouts.
“I could always count on hearing my teammate Sakura yell at the top of her lungs if he wasn’t running, or my teammate Zuniga always motivating us during race week,” Flores said.
Flores feels every member of the team wanted to do their best and push others to do the same.
Flores will begin to prepare for cross country season this summer.
She plans to focus on strength training.
Flores wants to motivate young female athletes to make their own path and have confidence in themselves.
“Not everyone is going to believe that you will achieve big things. I think it is important to be your own biggest supporter and to remember that winners never quit,” Flores said.
Flores said Megan Rapinoe’s, professional soccer athlete, quote on her perspective of life inspires her. Rapione said, “Putting yourself out there is hard, but it’s so worth it. I don’t think anyone who has ever spoken out, or stood up or had a brave moment, has regretted it. It’s empowering and confidence building and inspiring. Not only to other people, but to yourself.”