Palisade Sophomore, Aspen Johnson, is the female Athlete of the Week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. Aspen runs cross country and track. “I have been doing cross country since I was 5,” said Aspen. “My godfather got me into running. He trained his older sons how to run and then he got me into it at a very young age. I have been running 5ks ever since.” Aspen shared what she enjoys about cross country. “During a meet I really like running hills. It feels really bad at the moment but so good afterwards.” Her greatest accomplishment is “running consistently faster with multiple injuries, as well as being 30 seconds away from state time last year with injuries.” Aspen shared her perspective about how she feels their season is going so far. “I feel like our season is going really well. We are all hitting huge PRs, as well as getting stronger and closer as a team.”

Aspen has other enjoyments other than sports and school. “I sing, paint, and do a lot of things outdoors, such as mountain biking and hiking. I like painting non-animate objects and landscapes.” Aspen talked about her biggest inspiration and said, “My old coach from last year. He was the first coach to believe in me. Even after he stopped coaching, he still attends all of my meets to support me.” Advice that she would give to an incoming freshman athlete is: “Don’t be afraid to knock out the upperclassman and don’t let them scare you. ” Congrats Aspen on Athlete of the Week!