Sedona Red Rock Middle School’s Juni Spielman Shatters Competition with Undefeated Streak

Juni Spielman, an eighth-grader at Sedona Red Rock Middle School, has concluded the inaugural season of cross-country with an impressive undefeated record across five meets, culminating in a victory at the Verde Valley Championship Meet held on September 25 in Camp Verde.

Coach Cody McKesson praised Spielman’s unwavering dedication, likening her drive to that of a bonfire. “Juni isn’t motivated, she’s driven to succeed,” he remarked. “You can’t be motivated because that’s like a candle that burns out — Juni is a bonfire.”

Reflecting on her experiences, Spielman shared how cross-country reshaped her perspective on running. “I’ve always run to feel better, but having a real coach and structured workouts made it really fun,” she said. “I’m super-competitive, and this gave me a way to express that.”

Throughout the season, Spielman faced various challenges, including running additional distance due to course mismanagement. “A couple of times, I had to run extra because the course markings were wrong, and I thought I wasn’t going to win,” she recounted. “But it worked out in the end.” These hurdles, she believes, have equipped her for future competitions.

The distance for races gradually increased from 1.5 miles to over 2 miles, enhancing her stamina and resilience. “I don’t think I thought about [how I was going undefeated] until the last meet ended,” Spielman expressed, highlighting that she focused on treating each meet like her first. “After the last one, I was like, ‘Wow, I just did that.’”

A seasoned athlete, Spielman has been involved in sports from a young age, particularly excelling in swimming since the age of six as a member of the Sedona Race Pace Club. “She hasn’t met a sport that she doesn’t like,” her mother, Meg Haesloop, noted. While basketball and swimming have been her long-standing favorites, she now embraces running as a newfound passion. “When I run fast, it feels like I’m flying,” she said, describing the joy it brings her.

Currently, Spielman trains four times a week, logging between three to six miles, while maintaining her swimming practices. “She’s a great breaststroker and she’s about nine seconds away from the sectional cut,” said Coach Sean Emery.

Superintendent Tom Swaninger commended Spielman’s enthusiasm. “You see the way that [Spielman] puts joy into everything she does and it’s a pleasure to watch,” he stated. He also lauded the efforts of Coach McKesson and the sense of community fostered within the cross-country program. “The building of the athletic program is such a boon for our community,” Haesloop added.

Looking ahead, McKesson aims to enhance student recruitment for the upcoming season. “I told everyone their job is to get two of their friends out and get the numbers,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. “That’s the ultimate goal, have a team, not individuals where they’re running for themselves.”

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Spielman is actively involved in her school’s Interact Club and serves on the student council’s Spirit Committee. Swaninger expressed his admiration for Spielman’s grit and determination, stating, “Juni is one of the toughest, hardworking student-athletes I’ve ever met. I’m really proud of her present and extremely excited to see what her future holds.”