Asia Crocker was voted the Duke Automotive-Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after she had six top-three finishes in the VHSL Conference 10 Championships for Nansemond River.

Crocker is a junior at Nansemond River and is a part of a strong girls’ track and field team.

Known by many as WAR, the Nansemond River girls’ track and field team holds itself to excellence. This is something of a rebuilding year for the WAR track team, but Crocker is proud of how she has progressed in the midst of it.

A strong performance in the VHSL Conference 10 track and field championships led her to accomplish one of her milestones, becoming the player of the week.

“I feel like I’ve accomplished something I have been working hard for,” Crocker said. “I appreciate my friends, family and teammates voting for me and recognizing my performance. It feels great.”

Crocker finished first in the 300-meter dash and the high jump and placed second in the long jump and triple jump during the championships. She placed third in the 55-meter hurdles. In total, she accumulated 41 points for her team.

Warriors track coach Justin Byron was surprised at the performance Crocker was able to put together.

“All season my coach has put me in different events to prepare me to do a lot during championship season,” Crocker said. “It’s difficult focusing on so many skills, and sometimes it’s tough on the body, but it feels good when I do well and I’m able to come out with so many points for my team.”

The Nansemond River junior says it was hard at first adjusting to competing in many different events. Eventually, she built her confidence, and she is now competing in four or more events each meet.

“I know anything I can put my mind to, I can do it,” Crocker said. “I trust my coach, and I know he wouldn’t put me in anything I couldn’t handle. I know I have to put up points for my team.”

As an athlete, the junior describes herself as someone who does not mind leading from the back. She sees herself as a helper and someone who is constantly trying to learn more about the sport.

Her personal goals motivate her, along with her coaches and family.

“They put so much into me. That helps, knowing they support my dream,” Crocker said. “They are always pushing me to be great. When I’m not putting forward my best, they don’t hesitate to let me know.”

Before every meet, Crocker listens to music and watches films. If she doesn’t have time to do that, between her events she will speak with her coach and try to remember the things he tells her.

Crocker has qualified for state competition in the 55-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles, 300-meter dash, high jump and long jump.