NNS Female Athlete of the Week
Eighth-grader Cassidee Fraser from Contentnea Savannah Middle School has been named this week’s Neuse News Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Senator Jim Perry. Despite her young age, Fraser’s performances at the recent Neuse News Sports Track Invitational, held on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, stood out as she competed against and defeated athletes ranging up to the 12th grade.
Fraser sprinted to victory in the 100m dash with a precision-timed 12.26 seconds, improving from a blazing 12.06 seconds in the prelims. She also secured a commanding win in the 200m dash, finishing in 25.09 seconds — nearly a full second faster than the second-place finisher, a testament to her speed and agility against older and more experienced high school competitors. In the 400m dash, she demonstrated her endurance and speed, placing an impressive fourth with a time of 1:00.57.
Preparation and Influences
Before her races, Fraser fuels up with her favorite pregame snack, a Chicken Caesar Salad, and tunes into “Low Down” by Lil Baby, which helps her focus and mentally prepare to take on her high school adversaries.
Fraser not only excels individually but also thrives as part of a team. She runs for the AAU track club RunUXpress, where she trains and competes alongside her favorite teammate, Shari Jackson. This supportive and collaborative environment plays a crucial role in her athletic development and achievements.
Aspirations and Role Models
Inspired by elite Jamaican Olympian sprinters Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser, Cassidee dreams of reaching similar heights. Their global successes fuel her drive to excel in both national and potentially international competitions in the future.
Despite being in middle school, Cassidee Fraser’s ability to compete with and outpace high school athletes speaks volumes about her potential. Her commitment and skill are setting a high bar for her future in track and field, making her one to watch as she continues to develop her impressive athletic talents.