Holtville High School athlete finishes 5th in state in 300m hurdles

HOLTVILLE, Calif. (KYMA) - As just a junior at Holtville High School, Isabel Garcia has been to state track and field twice.

Her sophomore year, she finished 9th.

This year she finished 5th in the state of California in the 300m hurdles.

"Well, I'm just trying to have fun. I don't think that. I really get nervous before any races. I tell myself it's just like any other meet, except it just gets harder every time," said Isabel Garcia.

While a top five finish is something most athletes would celebrate, Garcia is already looking ahead to what's next.

"I think it's a good accomplishment, but I know I could do better. The goal is always to be better than what I was the year before. It's me against me," expressed Garcia.

That constant drive to improve is one of the many reasons Garcia has become a leader for the Vikings.

Holtville Athletic Director Carla Soto says her commitment and focus have helped set the standard for the program.

"It's honestly great to have athletes like her. She puts in the work, she knows what her goals are. We're all being a team here and it shows," said Carla Soto.

With another state appearance already on her resume, Garcia will have one more shot at a CIF title as a senior next spring. But before that she'll get to test herself at one of the best track and field venues in the country.

"I'm going to go to Oregon in 3 weeks for Nike Outdoor Nationals. I could have gone to New Balance. I also could have gone to some Junior Olympics the same weekend, but It's fine. I'd prefer to run at Oregon. It's like the best track in the world, so yeah, and the experience there is just amazing," said Garcia.