The Redhawks cross country season has come to an end for everyone but Sofia Golladay as the senior competes in the UIL 5A State Championship on Saturday.

Placing 12th at the 5A Region II meet, Golladay thought state would be a possibility. 

“I knew I had a chance but I knew it was going to be hard because the competition was really good this year but I definitely knew there was a chance I could go,” Golladay said.

The final meet of Golladay’s career, she leaves the Redhawks in a better place according to head coach Khera Vay. 

“Sofia has done an incredible job running for Liberty Cross Country for four years,” head coach Vay said. “She has had ups and downs and persevere through challenges and injuries. She has been a member of some really special teams, a leader for many years and has left the program better than it was her freshman year. She has set a standard for excellence and defines what it means to run in this program.”

Rather than stress about her finish, Vay wants Sophia to focus on having fun as it’s her last meet. 

“The state meet for Sofia and me as her coach, is a celebration of everything she has accomplished,” Vay said. “We aren’t placing standards or expectations, except doing the same things she has been doing. Go compete and have fun.”

That’s a goal Golladay can support as she wraps up her high school career. 

“I’m not really nervous since it’s my last meet and I want to have fun,” Golladay said.