Rio Rancho, New Mexico- Before the 2025 outdoor track and field season kicks off in New Mexico, we wanted to highlight a couple of athletes each week to build on the already strong community that we have in the Land of Enchantment.
First, in our new series, is Rio Rancho high school's Caitlynn Parsons who is a distance runner for the Rams cross country team, and the track and field team.
Here are the questions we asked her...
Q: What events do you compete in?
A: For track, I compete in many events including the 800m, 1600m and 3200m.
Q: What got you involved in track & field?
A: I would say the main reason I got into track and field was my dad making me do cross country, and then, encouraged me to do track to get in better running shape.
Q: Any favorite memories during your high school career?
A: My favorite memory was 2023-2024 when my team, and I, won state in cross, both boys and girls, and in track, for girls. I got to do it all with my best friends.
Q: Do you have a ritual or routine before you compete?
A: My favorite ritual I do before a meet, that I'm sure my coach wouldn't like, is going to Fizz soda shop and getting a "yoza."
Q: What are some of your goals for this upcoming season?
A: My goals for this upcoming season is to get some PRs especially in the mile but in all my events, and be able to compete at state.
Q: What is a necessity for you at a meet? AirPods, a certain snack, anything like that?
A: A necessity I need for race day is to take ibuprofen, and caffeine.
Q: What are some of your go-to songs to get you in the right head space for a meet?
A: Some go to songs I have on repeat to get ready for my race are "Diamonds" by Rhianna, and any Drake song really but my favorite is "Broke Boys" by Drake.
Q: Besides track & field, what are some things you enjoy?
A: Although running is by far my main hobby/activity I do daily, I also love going out with my mom and having mini "girl days" with her. And, I love going out with my friends even just for coffee.
Q: After a meet, how do you celebrate? Sleep, go to your favorite restaurant, what do you do?
A: My team and I tend to go out to Dion's [Pizza] as a team to celebrate.
Q: What can people expect from your team this season?
A: I feel like although a lot of our girls graduated last year there's a lot of girls coming back wanting more and wanting to run fast including me, so just look out for Rio [Rancho] competition in each event this year!