Senior Spotlight: Cross country has helped shape Quinn Hooper into an outgoing, fearless leader

Editor’s note: This is a weekly series dedicated to highlighting local senior athletes.

SANDPOINT — Prior to her freshman year, Quinn Hooper had never run competitively. Hearing how wonderful the cross country program was, her mom encouraged her to join the team.

Hooper decided to follow her mother’s wish and the rest is history.

“I decided to try it and it’s changed my life ever since,” she said.

It was hard to put herself out there and join an environment she wasn’t accustomed to, but Hooper admitted over the course of her high school career she has grown a deep affection for running and her teammates.

“I just love how tight-knit this team is and how much time Matt and Angie [Brass] put into this team and every meet,” she said. “I just love the culture and how hard everybody works toward the same goals. It’s just a wonderful team.”

Hooper is one of two captains on the girls cross country team this fall. Growing up, Hooper tried a number of different sports including tennis, basketball, volleyball and golf. But none of them spoke to her quite like cross country.

Hooper has a passion for the medical field and has aspirations of becoming a registered nurse. She loves helping others and that’s what being a member of the cross country team is all about. The sum is truly greater than its parts.

Angie Brass, the girls cross country coach, remembers Hooper being very quiet when she first joined the team. However, it didn’t take long for Hooper’s personality to shine through.

“She is very genuine,” Brass said. “She is a person that everyone feels comfortable talking to, she’s so approachable and loving and kind.”

Brass said one of her favorite things as a coach is watching athletes grow inside and outside the field of competition. Hooper is no different and Brass said she has made significant strides every season as an athlete and a leader.

“Quinn, she always knows the perfect combination of motivation to give to a teammate,” Brass said. “She is very complementary and encouraging, but she’s also not afraid if something’s not going well to address it and fix it so that everyone is moving forward.”

When Hooper learned she was going to be a captain in her senior season, she felt honored that her team trusted her to be there for others and hold them accountable. She said it’s a role that she doesn’t take lightly.

Brass said of the main reasons the captain role was bestowed upon Hooper is her commitment and dedication. She never misses a workout, meet or practice and she’s always present, Brass said.

She does all that while balancing a rigorous course load and maintaining excellent grades.

The captain role is a challenging one to take on, but especially this year amidst all the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Brass said Hooper has done an amazing job keeping everyone together.

“Being able to stay positive and be grateful for the opportunities we do have is definitely something that she has embodied,” she said.

Hooper said being a member of the cross country team has taught her a number of valuable life lessons including how to use her voice and be more outgoing.

“It’s definitely showed me how to be happier,” she said, “and how to push myself and go for what I want in life and not stop at anything that seems like a challenge.”

After graduating from SHS, Hooper plans on getting a bachelor’s degree in science and nursing. She hasn’t settled on a college yet but is looking at Boise State University or one in Colorado.

Regardless of the university, Hooper wants to find a school with a great nursing program that will help set her up for a bright future as an RN in the ER, ICU or labor and delivery. She might even become an OB-GYN.

“It’s just something that I can wait to do,” she said.

Hooper said she looks up to two people in her life the most — Brass and her CNA teacher Elizabeth Smith.

Hooper said Brass has taught her so many things about grit and passion.

“She’s just a strong, powerful woman and it inspires me to be confident in myself,” she said.

Brass believes Hooper will see success in life because she faces the bumps in the road and is willing to do whatever it takes to reach her goals.

“She is consistent and persistent and she’s not afraid to do the work,” Brass said, “and I think that’s a huge part of seeing things through in life.”

Hooper said it will be difficult saying goodbye to the cross country team after this season, but she’ll never forget this time in her life.

“All the things that my life has revolved around will come to an end at that point,” she said, “and then I have to start a new path, so I think it will be hard but I’m definitely looking forward to it.”