Main Story: Florida Gulf Coast sophomore Violet Lackey is balancing a breakout start in college cross country with her bakery, Sweet Violets, and plans for military service and law school. She earned her first top-10 finish at the Ed Holloway Classic and says her team, ambition and enjoyment of running help her manage a packed schedule.

By the Numbers
  • 1st top-10 finish: the Ed Holloway Classic 6K
  • 2 years of high school spent homeschooling
  • 1 summer Marine Officer Training program completed in Quantico
What's Next

Lackey plans to continue military training toward a future commission, then pursue law school and a legal career. She is also set to compete in the ASUN Championships and NCAA South Regionals.

Bottom Line

Lackey’s story is about more than juggling multiple pursuits: she brings the same discipline and focus to running, baking and her long-term goals—and sees each as a way to keep moving forward.