Alexander High School junior Emily McDonald earned a spot on the podium at the Georgia High 
School Association State Cross Country Meet in Carrollton last week to cap an incredible season.
McDonald finished with a run of 20:03.18 to take ninth in the state in Class AAAAA, capping a season that saw her win the county championship and become the second-fastest female runner in the 5K in school history with her 18:13.13 at the ASICS Invitational.
AHS head cross country coach Jimmy Sorrells said McDonald faced some setbacks, including a stress fracture that ended her track season, but she “demonstrated incredible determination and resilience” and “came back stronger than ever.”
"Her perseverance and dedication set a powerful example for her teammates and embody what it means to be a true competitor," Sorrells said. He added that McDonald is the fastest female runner he has coached in a career spanning more than two decades.