The state’s reigning Gatorade Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, the 5-foot sophomore swept the 800-meter run, the 1,600-meter run and the 3,200-meter run at the Class AAA state meet this past season, leading the Vikings to the state title. Starcher also took sixth in the 800 at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor this month, setting a state record with her time of 2:07.42, which ranked No. 8 in the nation among prep competitors at the time of her selection. Starcher also earned national rankings in the 2-mile run (10:24.46, No. 13), the mile (4:51.15, No. 26), the 1,600 (4:49.14, No. 33) and the 3,200 (10:29.87 No. 52).
Starcher has maintained an unweighted 4.14 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her junior year of high school this fall.
A member of the Ripley High student council, Starcher established the Ripley Youth Running Club, which promotes running skills and physical fitness. She has also volunteered locally as part of multiple community service projects through her church youth group.
