Mead steps up for the Sailors

Every Friday when the Newport Harbor High girls’ volleyball team ran the mile Melissa Mead finished first.

Two years of being the best runner on the volleyball team helped Mead to realize she would be better suited for cross country. So Mead made the switch her junior year and now as a senior she is the Sailors’ top runner, finishing first for Newport Harbor in all but three races this year.

Saturday at Woodward Park in Fresno Mead will attempt to lead Newport Harbor to a Division II state title after the Sailors finished second at the CIF Southern Section Division II final.

Newport Harbor Coach Eric Tweit said Mead’s competitive nature has been key to the quick transformation.

“It’s a matter of her discipline,” Tweit said. “She’s always had to be more disciplined and work harder. Something very strong in her pushes her to succeed.”

Mead, who had run track and field since she was a freshman, said she knew she made the correct decision in sacrificing volleyball for cross country shortly after informing Newport Harbor volleyball Coach Dan Glenn of her decision.

“I felt good about it the day I told him,” Mead said. “I knew most of the girls from track. They were really supportive of my decision. They were welcoming. It’s nice to have those teammates.”

One of those teammates is senior Taylor Bryson. The two competed last season for the second spot on the team behind standout Whitney Blue and this season for the top spot, which Mead has edged out on a regular basis.

“She definitely pushes me,” Mead said. “We’re pretty good friends. We always tend to push each other harder.”

And as the team’s top runner Mead understands how she does is important for the team.

“It sets the pace for the team,” Mead said. “I like to think of it as a little helpful pushing.”

Along with the pressure of competing for a state title Mead has planned to talk with five college coaches after the race. Mead is confident because she ran the Woodward course Oct. 7 at the Clovis Invitational, finishing 15th in 18 minutes, 46 seconds.

“We just need to keep our heads up and be confident,” Mead said. “We’ve been working for this all year.”

Mead said part of the reason she is so healthy at the end of her senior year is because she didn’t run cross country her first two years of high school.

“Physically I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in,” Mead said. “I know some girls start early and get burnt out by their junior or senior year. I think I have an advantage.”