D.C. Everest Cross Country Coach Allisha Blanchette: Baked or Fried?
D.C. Everest Cross Country has exploded with success, and it is coach Allisha Blanchette that has the program hopping. We take a closer look at the Evergreens´ Head Coach with our world-famous interview, Baked or Fried? to get the inside scoop…
OnFocus: What sports did you play in high school?
Blanchette: Volleyball, Softball, Dance Team. I did not get into running until after high school. The Grandma’s Marathon was my first race.
OnFocus: How do amateur sports benefit students, parents, and the community?
Blanchette: Sports are a great way for students to learn social skills, sportsmanship, positive stress, resilience, how to overcome disappointment and failure, etc…
They benefit parents by allowing them to step back and let their kids problem solve on their own while developing these other skills.
A community benefits by having their future learn all of these skills to become a positive contributing member of society. It’s also fun for everyone to come together and cheer each other on.
OnFocus: How have you been involved in sports in your adult life?
Blanchette: Because I didn’t run in high school and I like to know what I’m asking my athletes to do, I train and race as well. The coolest race I have done is the New York City Marathon.
D.C. Everest’s Sara Mlodik, a Closer Look Interview: Pancakes or Waffles?
OnFocus: What do you enjoy about your involvement in athletics?
Blanchette: I love to work with kids in a different way than teaching. I’m also a boy mom–which I love but getting a chance to coach & connect with a group of girls is its own kind of special.
D.C. Everest Cross Country and Track Standout Sara Mlodik: A Look at the Keys to her Success
OnFocus: If there could only be one concession food in the world, what would you want it to be?
Blanchette: It would have to be pickles. There is never a bad time for pickles.
OnFocus: What would you do with the money if you won 10 millions dollars in the lottery?
Blanchette: Build a book shop near a beach.
OnFocus: Is there something most people don’t know about you?
Blanchette: I taught in London, England.
OnFocus: What job did you want when you were growing up?
Blanchette: I always assumed I would be a teacher.
OnFocus: What do you most enjoy watching on television?
Blanchette: Dancing with the Stars. It’s the only show I watch.
OnFocus: Who was an influential coach that has made a difference in your life?
Blanchette: Peterson & Brad Seeley took me under their wing when I became the assistant CC coach at Everest. I remember wishing I had been coached by them–in a manner of speaking, I was.
OnFocus: How do you unwind and enjoy your free time?
Blanchette: Running, reading & coffee are at the top of my list.
OnFocus: What would be an appropriate Super Hero nickname for you, and what would your powers be?
Blanchette: Magnify. I would be able to see/show memories in slow motion & zoom but in real life rather than on camera.
OnFocus: Who are your favorite athletes?
Blanchette: Anyone who can lay out an awesome assist–I love the connection between two athletes to create something amazing that can’t be done alone!
OnFocus: Who is your role model(s)?
Blanchette: Anyone who lifts others up or is happy for someone else when they do well.
OnFocus: Baked or Fried? If you could pick only one, which would it be?
Blanchette: Fried (Fried pickles are amazing!)
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
