Point Loma High School senior Tori Anderson wrapped up her distinguished high school track and field career with an appearance in the state finals in Sacramento last week.
Although placing 16th in the high jump, Anderson is already setting a pattern of achievement and success she hopes will take her to new heights.
Set to graduate from PLHS later this month, Anderson will not be too far away, as she will be running and jumping competitively at the next level when she begins her collegiate athletic career at Point Loma Nazarene University this fall.
“It is kind of a bittersweet feeling, because I have really enjoyed my time here,” Anderson said. “My coach has been so encouraging to me, but I’m very excited about next year.” Anderson said.
In her four years on the PLHS track and field squad, Anderson set three school records and finished as the Eastern League high-jump champion three consecutive years (2005-07).
Anderson did not have any prior experience in track and field before high school. “When I started as a freshman I wanted to try different things so I tried track and field and volleyball,” she said.
Anderson has also played for the PLHS volleyball team for the past four years.
In 2007, Anderson finished strong as the league champion in the high jump and the runner-up in both the 100- and 300-meter hurdles. She finished in the top spot in the Division II CIF 100-meter hurdles and runner-up in the high jump and 300-meter hurdles.
Anderson then placed fourth in high jump and 100- and 300-meter hurdles in the county finals and earned a spot in the state finals with a high jump of 5’4″.
Anderson finished tied for 16th place in the state finals.
“I didn’t do as well as I had wanted to, but it was a very exciting to be there and a good experience,” Anderson said.
In addition to her success on the field, Anderson has excelled in the classroom, with a 4.5 grade point average, which helped her earn an athletic scholarship to PLNU.
“Both of my parents are teachers at PLNU,” she said. “They have a great team.”