The News-Press selects players who stood out over the past week based on a combination of coaches’ reports and school recommendations sent to sports@news-press.com and our own coverage. These athletes take part in a poll every Monday on news-press.com where readers can vote for the athlete they think did the best job. The winner of “The News-Press Athlete of the Week” voting sponsored by Elevate Home Services will receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. To learn more about the winners, The News-Press will conduct a Q&A session with each athlete.
This week’s News Press Athlete sponsored by Elevate Home Services from Nov. 11-16 was Fort Myers cross country runner Masha Dorofeev. The senior received 45% of the votes. Dorofeev won the Class 3A state title, setting a personal record of 18:04 and finishing first in the race for the nomination.
Previous recipient: “News Press Athlete of the Week” Nov. 4-9: Mariners soccer player Justin Medero
Question: How did you start cross-country running?
Dorofeev: So I always used to run a little bit, like when I was younger, like five kilometers here and there. Then, just before eighth grade, I started running. Because I think my family was always running. So that’s kind of what I tried and I really liked it.
It’s been a few days, but have you realized that you are the state champion?
Dorofeev: To be honest, it still feels very surreal. It hasn’t really caught on yet. However, I was really happy because I was able to accomplish something that I had always wanted to do.
What was your game plan for the district and regional tournaments that you also won? Was it to do your best at the state tournament?
Dorofeev: I continued training through district and regional competitions. I wasn’t really focused on those races. I didn’t recover much, just to make sure I was fully recovered for states, but I also had a good workout. And my spirit at state was just to have fun.
What went through your mind as you approached the finish line and realized it was actually going to happen?
Dorofeev: I always thought this could never happen. I don’t know, but even when I crossed the finish line I couldn’t believe it. It’s very surreal.
Do you have any pre-competition rituals or superstitions before running a race?
Dorofeev: Not really. I just take it day by day.
As a senior, what advice would you give to runners starting in high school or your freshman teammates on how to achieve career goals just like you?
Dorofeyev: I would tell them to just go out and make sure they’re having fun and having fun. But at the same time, try to make choices that you won’t regret.
