Torrance High’s Athlete of the Month for October, Alyssa Moreno, was both thrilled and surprised to receive the recognition. “I was really happy and excited, and I was really surprised because I didn’t think I was going to get it,” she said. This month, Alyssa focused on improving her strength and hitting new personal records. Her hard work paid off with strong pace performances and placements she’s proud of. She ended the season with a new personal record of 18:18. Before competitions, she gets into the zone by listening to hype , high energy music, to get herself pumped up. When it comes to pressure, Alyssa stays calm and doesn’t let it get to her. She stays focused on doing her best. She also emphasizes that cross-country takes more than just running; it’s about mental strength and strategy, too. Between school, practice, and other responsibilities, Alyssa manages her time by getting things done quickly and staying organized. Overall, she says being an athlete has taught her discipline, motivation, and determination, skills that help her both in sports and in life.