08/13/2026
Sophomores: Emma & Madi Coots
-Madi Coots
•Where are you from, and what are you planning to major in?
Hazard, KY. Majoring in Biology.
•What is your ultimate career goal after you graduate ALC?
Enter a dental school, so that I can follow through with my dream of becoming a dentist!
•Why did you decide ALC was the right fit for you?
The college is located close to home. In addition, the college has a smaller environment with more condensed spaces. I am able to continue my academic and athletic journey! Also, I got into the Honor’s Program so I now qualify for the Caney Cottage and additional promotions, which was a huge contributor.
•What do you love most about cross country, and what is your favorite memory so far?
I love that cross country is a sport that can still be enjoyed even after collegiate participation or for some high school athletes. My favorite memory was getting to do snow runs during November with my teammates!
•What is your proudest accomplishment or accolade?
While maintaining a near perfect GPA, and participating in other clubs. I have PR’d at almost every cross country meet.
•What are your biggest personal goals for yourself this season, and what expectations do you have for the team?
I would like to see myself get faster, and to have better endurance. For the team, it is important that we all work together, and have a positive attitude while doing so.
•If you could only have one post-race meal for the rest of your life, what are you choosing?
I would go to a Mexican restaurant and order a quesadilla with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and queso. For the drink, I always get lemonade!
•Who is your favorite athlete, and what is your favorite sport to watch?
Simone Biles, and my favorite sport to watch is gymnastics.
•Outside of running and classes, what is your favorite hobby or way to spend your free time?
My favorite hobby is playing pickle ball!
•Do you have any hidden talents or a fun fact that most people don't know about you?
The fact that I am a cat lover! I have a Siamese at home named Stella, which I enjoy spending most of my days with.
-Emma Coots
•Where are you from, and what are you planning to major in?
I am from Hazard, Kentucky, and I plan to major in biology.
•What is your ultimate career goal after you graduate?
To get into a dental or medical school that is hopefully at the University of Kentucky.
•Why did you decide ALC was the right fit for you?
I enjoyed the perks the honors program had to offer when it came to someone wanting to attend professional school. The Caney Cottage was my favorite. I also like that I can choose to just run cross country.
•What do you love most about cross country, and what is your favorite memory so far?
I love how I not only get fit, but I also get to be surrounded by nature. My favorite memory is always when running during the fall, since I get to see the leaves change and the weather.
•What is your proudest accomplishment or accolade?
I have maintained above a 4.0 gpa throughout high school, even when taking college courses. I also enjoy how much faster my times were this season than they ever were.
•What are your biggest personal goals for yourself this season, and what expectations do you have for the team?
I want to get faster, and not get injured. My expectations for the team is for everyone to respect each other, and to not try and control other teammates.
•If you could only have one post-race meal for the rest of your life, what are you choosing?
I would eat shrimp and chicken tacos.
•Who is your favorite athlete, and what is your favorite sport to watch?
My favorite athlete is Alysa Liu. My favorite sport to watch is ice skating.
•Outside of running and classes, what is your favorite hobby or way to spend your free time?
Relaxing on my phone, and watching TV.
•Do you have any hidden talents or a fun fact that most people don't know about you?
For the HOSA club, me and my sister are partners for the CPR/First Aid division. We have qualified for internationals twice with last year getting 3rd in KY and this year getting 2nd in KY. Only top 3 in each state qualify for internationals. During the week of June 17th, we will be trying to make top 10 in the world for our division.
