As the season gets underway, Cookeville Cavaliers track and field athlete Emma Cook said she is embracing both growth and leadership.
Entering her junior year, Cook has developed into one of the team’s most versatile competitors. Competing in events ranging from the 100-meter hurdles to field events like pole vault, high jump, and long jump, Cook continues to refine her all-around skill set. This season, Cook said her focus is clear.
Cook said she is concentrating on pole vault, high jump, 100-meter hurdles, and long jump, with specific goals in mind. After setting a personal record of 5 feet in the high jump last season, she hopes to return to that level again, while aiming to clear 10 feet in the pole vault.
Cook said one area where she has already seen noticeable progress is the long jump.
“I’ve gotten a lot of coaching this year and just found ways to improve this year,” Cook said. “Also in maturing myself, I’ve been able to get a lot better in that this year.”
Her growth has been steady, built on both physical development and a stronger mindset. Cook set her high jump personal record at the McAuley meet last season. Cook said she felt she was jumping higher that day.
As she continues to compete at a high level, Cook said she is also learning how to balance expectations, especially in a sport where results can vary from meet to meet.
“I try not to be too hard on myself and also not to let better competition overwhelm me,” Cook said. “It really is an individual sport and you can’t compare yourself to others.”
That mindset has helped her stay focused on steady improvement rather than outside pressure. Cook said for her, success comes from consistency and daily effort.
“Every time in practice, knowing there’s always ways to improve and to compete and get better,” Cook said. “Everybody has their own experience and can do what they want with it.”
With a younger group joining the program this season, Cook now finds herself in a new position as one of the team’s upperclassmen. A wave of freshmen and sophomores has added depth to the roster, and Cook’s experience across multiple events gives her a chance to lead by example.