Senior Heroes Bailey Pounds, Brookhaven

Mississippi Senior Heros 2020



Name: Bailey Pounds

School: Brookhaven High Schools

Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?

A: My coach has been sending our team workouts every day. Since going to the track is out of the question now, my coach has changed our workouts to be more home friendly.

Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?

A: I have been having family movie time, puzzles and board games, and painting.

Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?

A: I would say my most memorable race would be my last cross country race. I got to see our boys win state again after such a long year of hard work, I ran one last time with my girls, and I got fifth place in the 5A state championship. It wrapped up my high school cross country running career perfectly and that is something I'll never forget.

Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?

A: Our track team was running a little late for a meet a year or so ago and we ended up missing the girls 4X4 which was not funny at the time but is super funny now.

Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

A: I would consider my biggest competition to be myself. Sure I had tough competitors, most of them were on my own team. But the battle between you and your mind is the biggest competition you can face during a race.

Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?

A: Winning MVP at my cross country banquet would be my biggest accomplishment. I remember going up the last hill during every mile repeat at practice, repeating how much I wanted to be MVP. I worked for it all season and was so happy when my name was called for the award.


Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

A: I'm not sure I would change anything. Of course, I had races where I did awful, I mean in 7th grade I walked at every meet my coach took me too. I also quit after my 7th grade year and swore I would never go back but even that shaped who I am today. I could go back and try to get the school record or try and place first in a race but why would I? Every moment happened how it should have so I wouldn't change it. I'm just grateful I had the opportunity to run with such a fun and loving team for as long as I did.

Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

A: I had to overcome the thought that I was doing this all for someone else. I love to make my coach and my family proud, but it got to a point where the running I was doing was all for them and for not me. I had to learn to run for myself and then I finally had the chance to make myself proud.

Q: What will you miss the most?

A: I will miss my team more than life itself. The boys, the girls, and my coaches have all given me a family. Being with them makes me feel at home and it's hard to think that I won't be with them next year. However, I am excited to see all of the new runners they will bring in, and I can't wait to see them fill all of the empty spaces the seniors will leave.

Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?

A: Do the training that your coach gives you. It's easy advice and it's good advice. If you do it then there will be no reason to be worried about the race. If you put in the work, then you're ready and the only fight that is left is between you and your mind.

Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?

A: I don't think I can put into words what kind of impact he has had on us. My coach, Shannon Knott, is a father figure to me and everyone on the team. He has given me a sport to love and a team to love too. He is the person who has influenced me most in life and I don't thank him enough for that. I hope he continues to be a big part of my life even after I graduate.

Q: What are your college plans?

A: I signed a letter of intent to go run cross country at Delta State University! I cannot wait to go and start the next chapter of my life in Cleveland. I have met my future team and Coach Pinkerton. They are all kind and warm hearted people who have already accepted me into their little okra family. 

Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?

A: I would like to say thank you to my family for being there and supporting me. My mother and father have come to every race that they could, and I don't think I have ever said thank you to them for that. Thank you, mom and dad, for pushing me to my potential, and thank you for always being there for me. Thank you, Coach Knott, for always wanting more out of me and for making me the runner I am. Thank you for being my other dad and for treating me like your daughter. And thank you to Coach Pinkerton for giving me the opportunity to continue doing what I love at Delta State. I can't wait to grow under your program and become the best collegiate runner I can.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

A: I have become a different person since I started running. The person I was destined to become before I started this sport is gone and is replaced with a happier, more hardworking, and a more go getter kind of girl. If I never had come back after 7th-grade, then who knows who I would've been. I do know that I wouldn't be as lucky and well off as I am now. So if you ever want to put on some tennis shoes and go out for a run, you should. It might just change your life like it did mine.

Q: Favorite Meal?

A: I love going out and eating sushi with my family. It's the one meal where no one is picky.

Q: If you could be any animal what would you choose? and why?

A: I would be a seal because they can withstand very cold water (which would be great for ice baths), they swim really fast (I do not), and they are called the puppies of the sea (That's so cute come on).

Q: Your favorite superhero?

A: Definitely Deadpool

Personal RecordsHigh School
Outdoor
1600 Meter Run6:06.88
3200 Meter Run13:05.24
CC
Two Mile Run18:29.04
4000 Meter Run16:11.08
5000 Meter Run20:48.52
Personal RecordsMiddle School
CC
Two Mile Run16:58.72
5000 Meter Run31:10.94