Elaine Pond White

If you set your mind to something and practice hard enough, great things can happen. My Mom came to all of my meets, except when I went to State in track, she was in the hospital from a heart attack. They were afraid it would be too much excitement for her to attend. She went crazy waiting to hear the outcome and was more upset not hearing for hours!

My parents and brothers were very supportive, as well as wonderful coaches who spent hours working with us as a team and as individuals. We could come to them with any problem and they were more concerned with you as a person, not just as an athlete. Mark Cotton and Gary Noble are great men who loved the sport and the kids why worked with. They taught us to respect others and ourselves. They showed us how to succeed, and to take pride in something while we were young and trying to discover our place in life. The lessons I learned have helped me to face the challenges of motherhood and working for years with special needs children.

Vocationally, I'm a para-educator working with special needs children. Proud mother of 3, grandmother of 4...and still running! In my church service, I'm the Young Women's President over 150 young women and leaders.