VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Princess Anne High School’s Caroline Haen might look like she’s been running her entire life — but the standout cross country runner only began taking the sport seriously three years ago.
Haen comes from a family of runners, including her mom and two brothers, but her own journey started later than most. That hasn’t stopped her from making up ground in a hurry. Last weekend, she posted a personal best of 19 minutes and 14 seconds at a meet in Cary, North Carolina.
“It still feels unreal to me,” Haen said. “I can’t believe it happened. I think I can do it again.”
Her head coach, Kevin Rhue, who’s in his 20th year leading the Cavaliers, says he’s not surprised by her success.
“She’s a really special athlete,” Rhue said. “I wish I could get her to realize that. I