Published: May 29, 2009 11:35 am      

Senior Spotlight: NAHS' Stephanie Cave running toward success

Stephanie Cave had many thoughts running through her mind last summer as she jogged along a trail in Wisconsin.

She was gearing up for her senior year at New Albany High School, preparing for her fourth year on the cross country team and had high expectations for that team’s tournament chances.

Then she stepped in a hole and almost saw that dream shattered.

However, the broken fibula bone in her leg wasn’t about to keep her from her goals. She went through rehab and returned to help the Bulldogs make it to the state cross country meet.

Cave is all about meeting challenges head-on, both in the classroom and on the track. She qualified this week for the state track meet in the 3,200 meters. The same day during Class Night activities, she was only one of 10 girls in the state to receive the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association Scholarship for swimming.

As New Albany High School seniors prepare for graduation Saturday, The Tribune recently talked with Cave about the past and about her future plans.

QUESTION: Was high school everything you thought it would be?

STEPHANIE CAVE: I have enjoyed it. My freshman year was a little rough, but I enjoyed the other years.

Q: How have the last four years shaped you?

CAVE: I became a lot more involved. My freshman year I did sports, but every year I have gotten more involved. I have grown up and more open. I am not as shy as I was when I was younger.

Q: What are your future plans?

CAVE: I want to go into some type of nursing. I thought about being a nurse practitioner.

Q: Why did you pick the University of Indianapolis?

CAVE: It was not my first choice. But when I visited the school, I really liked it. I almost got a full ride there.

Q: What issue concerns you?

CAVE: I did cadet teaching and saw a lot of kids who may not have the best family life. I would like for there to be programs where they can come and talk.

Q: What will you miss about high school?

CAVE: I will definitely miss all the people I have met. Two of my closest friends are going with me to Indianapolis. I will miss the friends I made through sports and going to the basketball games.

Q: What is a perfect day for you?

CAVE: I enjoy shopping and being outside.

Q: Is there one moment in the last four years you will never forget?

CAVE: The summer of my junior year I was running on vacation and stepped into a hole and broke the fibula in my leg. I thought I wouldn’t be able to run cross country. But I went through rehab and eventually I was able to run and make it to state.

Q: Who do you look up to?

CAVE: I look up to my parents. They support me through anything and would do anything for me.

Q: Have you always been a runner?

CAVE: I have ran since fourth grade.

Q: What do you enjoy about running?

CAVE: I enjoy the team aspect of it and have gained a lot of friends through it. I am a competitive person and enjoy the competition.

Q: What will you be thinking about as you walk across the stage and receive your diploma?

CAVE: I hope I don’t cry. I will be thinking about all the memories in high school and all the friends I am leaving behind.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

CAVE: I am a dedicated person. I can be serious at times but also have a goofy side.

Q: How has New Albany High School prepared you for the future?

CAVE: I think it has prepared me very well. It is a very diverse school with all types of people. I think that will help me in college.