The Times Athlete of the Week: Ottawa’s Grace Carroll runs to IHSA State, this week’s honor

Five-hundred-two votes were cast for The Times Athlete of the Week this week, and there was a runaway winner.

Literally.

Ottawa state-bound, cross-country ace Grace Carroll captured 340 of those 502 votes on a ballot also featuring runner-up Jurnee Reed (Marquette football), Kody Danko (Streator cross country) and Megan Williams (Newark volleyball).

Next week’s ballot will be online Sunday, with voting going through midday Wednesday.

Here is our Q&A with this week’s winner, who will compete in the Class 2A State Finals this Saturday morning in Peoria:

Do you have any nicknames?

“G,” Gracie” or “Kathy.”

What is your favorite memory playing sports?

All the different teammates I have had and made friendships with.

What drew you into distance running?

I would run the Turkey Trot with my family. I always enjoyed running, and my grandpa has always pushed me to keep running.

What do you feel is the best race you’ve run to this point of your cross country career?

The 2020 La Salle County Invitational.

Who have been a few of your most inspirational coaches?

I have been lucky enough to have many inspirational coaches, however, my dad, Doug Carroll, will always be No. 1.

What is your favorite book?

“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Yearbook.

Best pre-race and post-race foods?

Pre-race night before — pasta or Culver’s.

Pre-race morning of — applesauce, egg on toast, granola bar.

Post-race — acai bowl and chocolate milk.

How does it feel to be the first Ottawa cross country runner to advance to the State Meet in 25 years?

It feels great. However, I wouldn’t be where I am without my teammates and the program Coach [Dan] Heaver and Coach [Jen] Jobst have built.

The team dynamic in cross country is a unique one. Could you explain to people who’ve never run cross country why it isn’t the individual sport they think it is?

Nobody is alone during cross country. All my teammates got me to where I am today. Even if you have a bad race, you are always so proud to see how your teammates run.

What are some of your favorite songs to run to when not in competition?

“Red” by Taylor Swift, “Mine” by Taylor Swift, anything by Taylor Swift.

Do you have plans to continue playing sports, running or otherwise, after high school?

I haven’t decided yet, but I would think about running or basketball if the opportunity came.