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Featured Athlete of the Week: Alexandria Land, Cross Country, North Putnam High School
Alexandria Land, 17, is an accomplished student-athlete at North Putnam High School. Land was born to her parents Mary and Gary Land. She currently participates in cross country, basketball, and track. She has also participated in volleyball and soccer in high school. A 4.0 student, Land is actively involved in youth group and she loves to volunteer. In her spare time she listens to music and hangs out with her friends. Land is also part of many clubs in school, including, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), National Honors Society (NHS), Key Club, Teen Court, Student Council, and Youth Philanthropy Committee. Land's favorite teacher is Mrs. Lippencott and her favorite subject is math. Land also enjoys watching the movie Hot Rod and her favorite things to eat are anything with potatoes.
Banner Graphic: What is your training like?
Alexandria Land: I pretty much have no off-season. Basketball trains throughout the summer, before school in the fall, and after school in the spring. Cross country is also a sport that takes a lot of time and effort. So I spend a big chunk of my time practicing and conditioning. But it's what I love to do and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
BG: What have you learned from the sports you play?
AL: The most valuable thing I've learned through sports is that I can't constantly compare myself to others. I don't have the same talents and abilities as everyone else. As long as I am doing my best, that is all I can ask of myself.
BG: What effect do your teammates have on you?
AL: My teammates are my encouragement. We're always there to pick each other up and cheer each other on. It's really comforting to know you have people there that will always have your back.
BG: Who has influenced you most in life?
AL: Kevin Lutes, my cross country and track coach. He's a wonderful role model who has helped me over so many hurdles (literally and figuratively). He's pushed me to face my fears and not to stress over the little things. I definitely wouldn't be the same person today without him.
BG: What do you like to do in your spare time?
AL: Spare time ... that's unheard of. I feel like I'm always doing something whether it's with sports, school, work, family, community involvement, or friends. In essence, I guess that is what I spend my "spare time" doing.
BG: Who introduced you to the sports you play?
AL: My mom was a really good athlete in high school so she pushed me to try out every sport. I obviously couldn't play them all, and it took some time for me to choose the ones I really loved. In the end, I'm very happy that I've stuck with basketball, track, and cross country.
BG: What are your plans for after high school?
AL: I'm applying to the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University and Anderson University. Wherever I go, I plan to study Finance/Non-profit management. I'm undecided on what I want to be, but whatever career I end up choosing, I hope it's one that serves others.