Meet Tegan Holme, a senior Cross Country runner at Bonney Lake High School. For Tegan, Cross Country isn't just about the races or the personal records—it's about the memories, the community, and the journey that comes with every step. With a running legacy rooted deep in her family and a passion that extends beyond the track, Tegan's story is one of discovery, resilience, and finding joy in the unexpected.
A Running Start: Family Roots Fuel the Passion
Tegan's love for running started early, thanks to her family's running tradition. "I've been running long before high school, since I was five actually," she says. Growing up in a "running family," Tegan was influenced by her father, a standout runner in high school and college who still competes for fun, and her older brother, who inspired her to lace up her own running shoes.
However, despite her early start, it wasn’t until high school that Tegan found her true passion for the sport. "I never really enjoyed it fully or felt like I was doing it for me until high school. That's when I finally started to push myself because I felt like it was for me," she reflects.
The College Path: Forestry and the Future
As her high school career nears its end, Tegan is looking ahead to new challenges—both on the course and academically. While she hasn't officially committed, she's excited about her acceptance into the University of Montana, where she plans to study Forestry.
"I want to go into Forestry, and the University of Montana has an amazing program with 27 different areas of focus," she shares. This love for the outdoors aligns perfectly with her other passions, including hiking, camping, and photography.
Chasing PRs and Memories: More Than Just the Times
Though her personal record for the 5K—19:30—came in her freshman year, Tegan doesn't measure her success solely by numbers. "I've hit a plateau the past couple of years, but I've made amazing memories," she says with a smile.
Some of those unforgettable moments include team escapades, like a post-race swim in the ocean at Chambers Bay or splashing through a lake at the Ellensburg Relays. "We were play fighting and tackling each other into the water. It was just a very happy day," she recalls. And then, there are the bus rides, a hallmark of any high school sports team. "I could go on and on forever about the bus rides. They’ve been some of the best parts."
Beyond the Finish Line: A Passion for Photography
Running isn’t Tegan’s only passion. A self-taught photographer, she first fell in love with capturing moments in time when she received her first camera in middle school. What started with photographing her garden and her brother’s meets evolved into documenting school sports events.
"I thought, 'Why not photograph all the sports at school? I was going to the games anyway!’" Now, her Instagram account (@tholmephotography) showcases action shots from various school sporting events. "I didn't do it for attention, but I loved that it made people happy seeing decent photos of them caught at some of their best moments."
Eyes on the Finish: Goals for the Final Season
As Tegan looks toward her final Cross Country season, her goals are simple but significant. "My hopes for this season would just be to get back to where I should have been my sophomore year," she says. Her ultimate aim? A fourth and final trip to the state meet.
Whether she’s running through the woods, snapping photos at a volleyball game, or strumming her guitar, Tegan's story is one of passion, persistence, and a deep appreciation for life’s journey. As she prepares for the next chapter, it’s clear she’ll carry these experiences with her—capturing each step, stride, and memory along the way.
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