Athlete of the Week: Hawkins-Smyk

Southeast High freshman Zoë Hawkins-Smyk crossed the finish line in 6:09.10 to win the 1,600 meters and help lead the Lady Seminoles to a second-place finish at the Class 2A-District 10 meet April 12. The 15-year-old also anchored the 4x800 relay to a first-place finish. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you won the 1,600 and the 4x800?
I was very happy, because one of my goals for the year was to place first in a race.

What do you enjoy the most about track?
The last 100 meters in any race.

Which event is your favorite?
My favorite event is the 4x800, because I can strive to do my best, but it’s all of us working together as a team.

Do you play any other sports?
I also run on the cross country team.

How did you get into track?
I went into track because many of my friends from Center Montessori School ran on the cross country and track teams.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to work at Pixar Animation Studios.

Do you have any siblings? 
I am an only child.

What’s your favorite subject?
My favorite subject is art, because I like being in an environment that supports creativity.

Who is your biggest role model?
I have several role models, including Gandhi, Joan of Arc and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
If I could go anywhere, it would be Japan, because of its unique culture.

What’s your favorite food?
Mac-and-cheese

Do you have any pets?
I have three: our dog Snoopy and cats JiJi and Mushu.

If you could play another sport for a day, what would it be and why?
If I could play any sport for a day, it would be either archery or fencing, because both require hard work and practice over raw talent.