(Alexis runs first leg for the Rattler 4x800 at the D2 State Championships-photo by John Hays)
Name: Alexis Rios
School: North Canyon HS
Alexis Rios played a key role as a mid-distance runner for the North Canyon Rattlers. At the Arcadia Invitational, they took 6th place in 9:20 which stood as the AZ #2 Girls 4x800 time for the season. That same weekend she ran a PR of 2:20.37 at the South Pasadena Tiger Invitational. Alexis ended her season leading off for the Girls 4x800 squad at the State Meet who won the Division 2 Title by over ten seconds. She also placed 8th in the D2 Girls 800.
What was your most memorable moment?
I would have to say that my biggest competition over the past four years has always been my own teammates. I have been super privileged to always be surrounded by such amazingly talented athletes.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was getting an athletic scholarship and signing to Concordia University Irvine. I'm super excited to have the opportunity to continue running at the next level.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could do it all over again I would have taken track a lot more seriously from the start. Initially I only joined to get into better shape for basketball. Yet, I ended up really liking it and eventually switched from doing club basketball year round to running club track with Team Showtyme.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
One of the most difficult obstacles I had to overcome was having surgery the beginning of track season my junior year. I had to have a double procedure involving both my nose and throat. I had scheduled it for the off-season, but my surgeon had a skiing accident, so we had to postpone my surgery. The recovery took a lot longer than I expected, and it was hard having to sit out the first few weeks of practice.
What will you miss the most?
I am going to miss my team the most. We are like one big family and I'm definitely going to be facetiming them a lot next year!
What advice would you give to younger Rattler athletes?
The only thing I would say to the younger Rattlers is to stay focused - the sky's the limit. They are super talented and I can't wait to see all that they accomplish.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Athletically, Coach AJ has helped me tremendously. Although his workouts may be brutal, my times have definitely reaped the benefits. Additionally, he has helped me grow so much more as a person. He has always believed in me and has instilled so much confidence in me that I have been able to carry into my everyday life. He truly cares for us, not just as athletes but as people, and I feel very blessed to have had him as my coach.
What are your college plans?
I am planning to run cross country and track at Concordia University Irvine in the fall. I'm not quite sure yet what I want to study but I am super stoked to be living near the beach!
Who do you have to thank for your success at North Canyon?
I'm so thankful to all my coaches at North Canyon for helping me along the way! Especially Coach AJ, Coach Ayrius, and Coach Scronic, they were always there encouraging me and pushing me to be the best that I could be.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I would just like to say I'm extremely proud to have been a rattler the past 4 years and it has been amazing to see how far we've come. Track has made a huge impact on my life and I have made lifelong bonds with my teammates and coaches. I can't wait to see how well they do in the upcoming years.
