Jamestown High School Varsity Student Athlete Inspires Team
Grace Mackert is a senior at Jamestown High school with special needs who began running cross country during her sophomore year. Her parents, coach, and team give her the support and opportunities to meet her potential in the sport. Grace was a participant in the Albert E. Dorner Newport News Invitational Cross Country Meet (5K run) on September 9, 2017 and completed the race with the time of 45 minutes. Grace displayed perseverance and tenacity by not giving up and finishing the race. Grace’s accomplishment inspired her team, fellow athletes, the crowd, and officials. One official stated, “It gave me goosebumps because of her courageous effort to finish the race.” Grace enjoys practicing drills, competing against other teams, and hanging out with her fellow teammates. When she’s not running, she supports her teammates as the team manager. Head Coach Mark Tompkins stated, “Grace is enthusiastic, a hard worker, and she brings out the best in others. Grace described her team as, “A team that helps me out and where I feel loved.”