Triple-Impact Competitor® Finalist, Class of 2017
King High School
Tampa, FL
Micaela Torres is a cross country and track & field runner from King High School. It may be hard to imagine camaraderie in an individual sport such as cross country, but Micaela says there is a special bond that occurs among competitors at cross country meets. “One of the best aspects of cross country is the fellowship that happens between those who line up together. The friendships and mutual respect cross country and track runners have for each other is a bonus in being a part of the sport. We can be fierce competitors when we line up together, but we will also cheer each other on. I always try to greet as many people as I can prior to ever checking in for a meet or race, then at the starting line wishing everyone a great race, and then finish with congratulating everyone for a great effort. I particularly enjoy watching and encouraging on competitors when they are in races that I am not in.”
Micaela's coach tells a story of her breaking her leg at the end of their district race, overcoming adversity through perservance to come back 1 year later and finish 2nd in the same race. “At the start of her sophomore year, Micaela became my number one runnner through hard work and the desire to be the best. As we went through the season her leg began to bother her, she refused to quit and pushed on. In our district meet, she was in the top 5 and her leg snapped with about 400 to go in the race, still yet refusing to give up, trying to crawl to the finish. She missed 45 weeks doing rehab and then learning running all over again with the fear of what if this happens again. Through hard work entering her Junior year she would bounce back returning to the district meet where she was 2nd, then regions where she was 8th, getting to the State meet as a lone survivor. Through all those trials and tribulations she made her team better, not quitting on her TEAM and pushing forward knowing each step could be her final step. Through it all she never showed weakness, fear, or doubt, she stood as a LEADER and even while she couldn’t run, she was at practice in that wheel chair everyday just waiting for her chance to lead on foot one more time! She wears her uniform with pride and honor and I am proud to be her coach.”
High School: King High School, Inverness, FL
Twitter Handle: @micaela_1008
Coach You Admire: Joe Newton
Favorite Team: U.S Olympic Swim Team
Favorite Athlete: Aly Raisman
Favorite Inspirational Sports Movie: McFarland, USA
Favorite Quote From “Elevating Your Game” by Jim Thompson: "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but takes even more to stand up to our friends." -Albus Dumbledore, from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
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Sagicor Life Insurance Company is a full-service life insurance company that helps clients make wise financial decisions today to ensure they’re protected tomorrow. Sagicor is licensed in 45 states and the District of Columbia and is rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company (4th best out of 16 possible ratings). Sagicor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sagicor Financial Corporation. Founded in 1840, it is one of the oldest insurance groups in the Americas, with operations in 22 countries mainly in the United States, Central America and the Caribbean. Sagicor is committed to offering customers world-class service with integrity and value.
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