After nine league titles and a sectional title, the San Benito High career of Vanessa Estrada came to an end Friday at the Central Coast Sectional championships at Gilroy High.
But it won’t be the last time Estrada steps foot on a track.
In April the highly decorated Baler signed her letter of intent to attend Northern Arizona University in the fall. The Lumberjacks boys cross country team finished the 2012 season as the DI 10th ranked team.
For Estrada, receiving a college scholarship is a lifelong dream, she said.
“It means a lot because it was one of my dreams,” she said. “It was one my goals. I’m really happy to have accomplished that. I’m excited to go to a new environment. But at the same time it’s bitter sweet because I’m going to miss my coach and my teammates. They are my family but I have to grow up.”
Estrada, though, leaves a lasting legacy at San Benito High. She leaves as one of the school’s most decorated athletes. That success, she hopes, carries to the younger runners.
“I see (the drive) also in the other girls and the guys from cross country,” she said. “It’s just really, I don’t know, it’s just really nice. I’m happy for myself. And I believe the other girls can do it and I hope it inspires them. It’s exciting because I get to start a new chapter and I can try to rebuild again.”
Her ability to grow will come from SBHS coach Jess Morales, Estrada said.
“It’s going to help me because it got me to be mentally tough,” she said. “He hasn’t babied me. Trust me, he hasn’t. But it’s going to help me get mentally tough. I feel like I’m ready for it. He taught me all I can do, so it’s time to learn some new things. Mentally, I feel like I’m ready for it. I know what I need to do.”
And she is excited for that first race next fall.
“I know there is so much I can do to improve from here,” she said. “I am going to work harder than I usually do because I want to be on top. I want to set myself up for a good position. That’s what coach (Morales) taught me and that’s what I’m going to do.”
