Blind Athlete Inspires Cross-Country Team

For those who believe that winning means everything, meet Alyssa Rossi, a freshman cross-country runner at Lancaster Desert Christian.

With each race this season, after the starter’s pistol goes off, she drops to the back of the pack. By the end, she isn’t close to finishing first. And yet, the applause of respect she receives from teammates, spectators and opponents as she crosses the finish line continues to grow.

Rossi is blind, and for her to compete in cross-country is the highest example of determination and courage by a teenage athlete.

“I knew if she wanted to do it, we’d find a way to make it happen,” Coach Dean Spoelstra said.

Assistant coach Candy Garcia serves as Rossi’s guide, running by her side connected by a nylon cord tethered around Rossi’s waist.

Rossi’s first race last month over a three-mile course was accomplished in 41 minutes. The next one, she finished in just over 39 minutes. At the Bell-Jeff Invitational two weeks ago at Griffith Park, she placed 128th out of 131 junior varsity runners in a time of 34 minutes -- about twice as long as it might take a top girl from the varsity.

“I’m not fast yet,” Rossi said, “but I’m getting there.”

She came out for the team despite foot problems and little training. Her ankles were weak and her feet were pointed to the side after years of being protective of every step. She had to progress from jogging to racing.

“It’s been a learning experience for all of us to trust her foot plant,” Spoelstra said.

The physical training has taken its toll on Rossi, who suffers the same pain as any long-distance runner dealing with exhaustion.

“Honestly, it’s very challenging,” she said. “But my favorite part is being part of a team and having their support. I just think they view me as a normal runner, and I like that.”

Rossi has never been afraid of testing boundaries. She has gone snow skiing and used to vault off horses. Most of all, she loves to sing gospel music.

“I’m musically obsessed,” she said.

She plays piano and sings the national anthem at public events.

She has been blind since birth and has a younger brother who is also blind. She uses a cane to walk to classes and has a laptop computer with a Braille keyboard.

What’s intriguing about Rossi’s decision to compete in cross-country is how she has learned to navigate through the unknown fears of running over hilly courses with bumps, rocks, holes and changing terrain.

“It’s inspirational every day to see her doing it,” Spoelstra said.

Teammates know a bit about what she must endure because Spoelstra had them run blindfolded over an asphalt course while at a winter camp to help them understand what Rossi goes through.

“We’re all so amazed,” senior Michele Anderson said.

Rossi insists the mental part of running along an unknown trail does not intimidate her.

“It’s not scary at all,” she said. “Maybe on a steep downhill, it’s a little freaky.”

Garcia keeps encouraging Rossi and building trust.

“She’s more of a running partner,” Garcia said. “Communicating with her is no different than anyone else. I just have to let her know what’s coming.”

There have been times when Rossi wanted to quit a race. She never did. Like any runner, she dug down and focused on something other than the pain.

“It’s very hard,” she said. “I just start praying, ‘I’m going to make it.’ It’s a matter of closing your mind on certain things and not thinking about what hurts.”

How long Rossi competes is up to her. This could be her only season of cross-country, or maybe she’ll keep going.

Whatever her decision, those who see her run begin to understand what high school sports is all about.

Winning matters, but so does effort, and Rossi is teaching others that anything can be accomplished through determination.

“She’s a blessing to us and we hope we are for her,” Spoelstra said.

Eric Sondheimer can be reached at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

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T.J. Simers has the day off.