Update: Placed second in Ken Garland Invitational last week. Opened season with first-place finish at Frisco Invitational.

Notable: Belvis has finished in the top three at every meet this season. She set TAPPS state records in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters in 2006 at Frisco Legacy Christian. "I think of [running] as a God-given ability and a gift. He gave me the tools, and through a lot of hard work and training, I've been able to use the tools and succeed."

Memorable moment: Winning the 3A cross country state meet last year. "I went into the race planning to race for second. To be able to go out and at the very end win was a big surprise for me."

Running is in the genes: Her family occasionally runs 5K races together. Belvis' parents took her to races when she was a child. "When I was born, they put me in the baby jogger and took me in running races. When I could run, of course, I wanted to go do it, too."

Tight-knit family: Belvis said she is close with her parents and her younger brother, Parker. "Most of my free time is with them. Me and my mom, we're best friends."

Favorite movie: "I thought Wall-E was cute."

College plans: Belvis plans to run cross country and track at a Big 12 school and recently visited Texas A&M. She plans to major in computer science.

Matt Baker