Brianna Pardner has picked up the baton from her siblings at Overland High School and run with it.
The junior track standout carries on the family athletic line at the school that stretches back to sister Cambria, who won two state track championships as a senior in 2006. Her brother Darius graduated in 2011 after starring on the Overland basketball team.
Now, it’s the younger Pardner’s turn and she’s following in both of her siblings’ footsteps, playing on the varsity girls basketball team in the winter and now excelling in track, especially with a shift to concentrating on the 400 meter dash. She placed fifth at the Liberty Bell Invitational on April 28 and posted a season-best time of 57.75 seconds in the prelims. Pardner continues to run sprints and long jump for the ’Blazers, while maintaining a 4.05 weighted GPA.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
My favorite high school memory was breaking 58 seconds in the 400 meter dash in the prelims of the Liberty Bell meet. This is my favorite memory thus far because what I felt when I looked up at the timer and saw it flash the number ‘57.75’ was indescribable. I had felt like a lot of my hard work had paid off.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to play your sport?
My comfort level and having to hold myself to a stricter schedule. I’ve learned that something as small as a millisecond can be the difference between qualifying for state or not or even making it from prelims to finals in a big meet, and with this being said, sometimes in order to get the millisecond or two faster, one will have to step outside of their comfort level to push themselves through the finish line, even if it hurts. I have also had to hold myself to a stricter schedule when it comes to both food and free time. On a daily basis, there are many tasty foods I have had to turn down because I had track practice. I am also very limited in my free time. Some of the fun activities I enjoy doing, I usually have to give up because I only have but so many hours to do my homework when I come home from track practice.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
Everything my dad has ever told me to encourage and motivate me in sports. He has offered me a lot of great wisdom, but one of my favorite things he has said is that “they put their pants on one leg at a time just like you do.”
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
Yes, I am a leader. I think what makes someone a good leader is setting the example for others to follow. I am a leader amongst my track team because I use the knowledge and experience I have to help others become closer to their goals, I offer my teammates encouraging words no matter how they perform, and on a day-to-day basis, I demonstrate what it looks like to be a fully committed student-athlete.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or in life in general?
I don’t have any superstitions when it comes to sports, however, I do always say a quick prayer in my head while I’m in the blocks waiting for the gun to go off.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition? If not, how do you get focused?
I always listen to music while warming up before my races. What gets me most ready for my competition is very fast paced songs. These songs not only get me pumped for my races, but also give me a rhythm to run to during my race. Keeping a fast beat in my head helps me to move my feet at a quicker speed.
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
Softball. I haven’t tried softball because it is in the fall and during the season of fall I am usually doing pre-season training for track.
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
Other than sports, another true passion in life I have is dogs. I have a passion for dogs because to me, they are like flawless best friends. No matter what kind of day you’ve had, one can always come home to them, and they will always be happy to see you.
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
If I could pick a person to spend a day with, I would choose to spend it with Oprah Winfrey. I would enjoy spending a day with her because she has so much wisdom to offer, and the fact that she has used her fortune and fame to bless others makes her such a beautiful person.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I see myself as a college graduate with a degree in public relations, journalism or law. I also see myself married with kids, encouraging my kids to participate in track and field at an early age.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
