East County Athlete of the Week: Shay Lee

Shay Lee is a senior cross country and track and field runner at Lakewood Ranch High. She finished third (22:03.95) in the Tri-County cross country meet on Oct. 13 in Venice.

When did you start running cross country?

In sixth grade, so I've been doing it for a while now. My mom (Kristina Lee) is a good runner and she went far in her career. My family is into sports overall. Running is just one of the sports where I excelled, of the ones I have tried so far. 

What other sports did you play?

I played volleyball and basketball. I also rowed for a year. 

Do you prefer cross country or track and field?

Track. That's my main sport. Cross country is something that keeps you in shape for track so you can do better. There's just more variety in track. Long distance, middle or short. 

What is your favorite running memory?

Probably going to states my sophomore year for track. In ninth grade, I had torn my ACL and MCL and couldn't run track. That was my first year back, and I did really well. It was exciting. 

What goals do you have for the rest of the season and beyond?

My goal for both cross country and track is to make it to states and do well, as a team and individually. 

What is your favorite food?

Chicken nuggets with honey mustard dipping sauce. 

What is your favorite movie?

"Hocus Pocus" is by far my favorite movie. 

What is your dream vacation?

I would go to Puerto Rico. It seems like a fun place to go. 

What hobbies do you have?

I don't really have any. I run and do sports. I used to play the violin. I stopped once I got to high school, but I played for like 12 years. My friends and I watch movies, go to sporting events at the school, just normal stuff. 

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math. For some reason, I just understand it and I'm good at helping other people understand it. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

It's probably from my mom. She said, "Never let the pressure get to you. Run your race." Don't go off what other people are doing. 

Finish this sentence: "Shay Lee is ... "

... Awesome. I just think I'm an awesome person. I'm nice. I'm outgoing and it's easy to get along with me.