Peaking in XC season with Tatnall's Krissa Woods | DE Gameday

Krissa Woods led her Tatnall Hornets to victory at the Division II cross country championship race last year. The team, lacking a senior major player, was not the popular choice before the race. However, the young team adopted a strategy of a late-game attack and Woods put her mental strength to use despite her struggles with time management and performance.

Woods acknowledged that the race was not her ideal performance but she persevered mentally to achieve the goal. Woods has gained several valuable lessons from her sophomore year, which she will implement in her junior season that begins on September 11th. The debut race, White Clay Creek Classic in Newark, is anticipated to bring out her full potential.

Woods has managed to carve a niche for herself in the 800 meters and has been a two-time first team All-State cross country runner in her three years with Tatnall. However, the challenges of injury and nutrition issues in her sophomore year have made her focus on introspection rather than speed in her junior year. Woods' ultimate goal is to feel proud of her efforts in every race and the season.

Her journey started with gymnastics, encouraged by her twin sisters who also pursued gymnastics. Later, she transitioned to track and field and has been closely following her older sister Kayla's professional career, particularly in triple jump. The sight of her sister's success gives Krissa immense joy and motivation.