The Texas Girls Cross Country Coaches Association has honored senior Arin Rice as 4A All-Star Athlete of the Year. In order to receive the award, the student athlete must be a senior and is chosen based on success throughout the senior year and overall cross country career.

“Arin is the most successful 4A athlete in Texas,” Coach Ray Baca said. “Her only loss all year was at state. Not many athletes can say that.”

Rice was born into an athletic family that encouraged her in her choice to pursue running.

“I have an older sister and a younger brother who are both athletes,” Rice said. “We’ve always been very competitive with each other and they have always encouraged me.”

Rice said that what sets her apart from other athletes is her commitment and work ethic.

“I run 45-50 miles a week and work hard at it,” Rice said. “I diet and I have to sacrifice my social life sometimes. But, despite the stress, winning and being able to say you’re the best at something makes it all worth it.”

Rice’s success in running has resulted in full ride scholarship offers and has helped determine her future.

“I’m looking for a school with good coaches and a team that I fit in with,” Rice said. “But, I’m also looking at the academics. I want to go into pre-vet and eventually become a large animal veterinarian.”

Rice said that she owes part of her success to Baca.

“I was blessed with a great coach,” Rice said. “I wouldn’t be near where I am today if I didn’t have him as a coach. He’s willing to work with me as an individual and he believed I could be a great runner. He coaches me as a person and not just as an athlete. He has always been there for me.”

Rice said that someone willing to work hard and not give up makes a good athlete and encourages fellow athletes to be just that.

“The reward in the end is worth all the struggles to get there,” Rice said.