Mountlake Terrace’s Jaden Lofrese placed ninth at the 2A state cross country meet last year and has designs on improving on that as a senior. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaden Lofrese placed ninth at the 2A state cross country meet last year and has designs on improving on that as a senior. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Q&A with Mountlake Terrace cross country runner Jaden Lofrese

The soft-spoken senior leads the Hawks by example and hopes to crack the top 5 at state this weekend.

Even if Mountlake Terrace senior Jaden Lofrese is in 20th place at the first-mile mark of a race, Hawks cross country coach Joel Pearson isn’t concerned. Pearson knows there’s a good chance Lofrese will be in the top five by the conclusion of the second mile.

“He’s incredibly calm,” Pearson said. “He can stick to a race plan, and generally he doesn’t care about what his competitors are doing as long as he’s following that plan, and that’s rare. His endurance is impressive. I think there’s seven or eight athletes that are capable of winning the (Class 2A) state championship, and he’s one of them.”

Lofrese will compete at the state meet Saturday in Pasco. He finished ninth at state last year.

The Herald spoke with Lofrese recently about his running career, future plans and more:

How did you get your start in competitive running?

I played a lot of soccer when I was younger; I started when I was 5. In middle school, some of my soccer friends joined the cross country team, so I joined the cross country team to be with them.

What do you love about running?

Even though racing against other people can get stressful, running is a good stress reliever. When you set a personal record, it feels a lot more (intense) than when you win a game (in a team sport). When all that work that you’ve put in comes together, a sense of excitement pops into you. I also love that I have teammates who push me (to be better) every day.

How have you improved as a runner?

I’m a lot more dedicated now. I feel that I can control myself (better), and I have a lot more discipline. I can work harder and do a lot more. Gaining more responsibility (as I’ve gotten older) has helped me.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome to succeed in running?

I’m not normally one of the loudest kids, I’m usually quiet. But since I’m one of the faster (runners), I lead by example. It’s been hard to become a leader to help the team and be a positive influence. It’s one of the bigger challenges I’ve ever had. But I’ve been able to break out of my shell more. I’m talking to more people, understanding more people. If I didn’t become a team leader, I wouldn’t have talked to the freshman and sophomore runners this year. Now I’m good friends with them.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I’m not sure which college I’m going to yet, but wherever I go, I want to focus on academics first. Running would be a second priority.

What are you interested in studying?

I haven’t narrowed that down yet. I’m still debating what I want to do. Right now (I’d like to be) a doctor or pharmacist. For four years in a row I’ve taken some sort of biology class, and it’s really growing on me. They’ve been the most fun and interesting classes for me. I’d like to go into the health field and see what I can do there.

How would you describe your personality?

I’m more of a listener. I like to listen to conversations and try to understand all of what’s being said. I’m not too much of a talker.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

AquaSox pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje follows through on a pitch during Everett's 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Canadians at Funko Field on July 5, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
AquaSox blanked by Vancouver as losing skid continues

Everett generates just three hits in 3-0 loss to the Canadians on Saturday.

AquaSox infielder Charlie Pagliarini starts to swing at a pitch that he would launch for a two-run home run in Everett's 9-2 loss to the Vancouver Canadians at Funko Field on July 4, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
AquaSox lack spark in Independence Day loss to Vancouver

Everett draws eight walks, but has just two hits in 9-2 loss to the Canadians.

Storm uses third-quarter thunderbolt to down Liberty

Rookie Dominique Malonga scored 11 and took over in the third quarter for Seattle.

Kimberly Beard, a rising senior at King's, stands next to the results board after winning the girls hammer throw at the Nike Outdoor National Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon on June 22, 2025. (Photo courtesy Donna Beard)
Beard, Tupua shine at Nike Outdoor Nationals

The rising seniors make their mark on a national stage amidst a busy summer schedule.

Everett AquaSox shortstop Colt Emerson catches the ball at second base for the first out in a double play during the Opening Day game against the Hillsboro Hops on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerson’s preparation finally paying off in Everett

The AquaSox shortstop is coming off his best month in High-A. Here’s how it came together:

The Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodríguez, right, claps after stealing second base during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Witt Jr. and Mariners’ bullpen both slide, KC wins series

The Kansas City Royals found a way against the Seattle Mariners on… Continue reading

Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) tries to drive past Dallas Wings guard JJ Quinerly (11) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game at College Park Center on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Storm)
Storm survive Dream on Diggins game-winner

Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler combined for 45 points in the 80-79 win.

Julius Miettinen listens to a coach during Kraken Development Camp on-ice session for forwards on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pair of Silvertips check status at Kraken Development Camp

Julius Miettinen hopes to take strides back in Everett, while Kaden Hammell turns pro.

Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with the team trident after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners overcome Perez to beat Royals

The Kansas City Royals found themselves in another close encounter against the… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh (29) of the Seattle Mariners bats during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Cal Raleigh named AL Player of the Week

Major League Baseball announced today that catcher Cal Raleigh has… Continue reading

Moore: Ranking the all-time best Seattle sports radio shows

Sports radio shows in Seattle started in the 1970’s, typically at night,… Continue reading

Storm three games over .500 near the halfway point

Star forward Nneka Ogwumike was voted an All-Star starter Monday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.