BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Being mentally tough extends beyond the classroom for Ava Benefield.

Benefield is a member of the Gulfport cross country team and uses her brain power to tackle any obstacle ranging from a pop quiz to a 3 mile race.

That ability to focus in both the classroom and the in a race, is a trait the senior has possessed far before gold medals came.

“Ever since I was little I have always made sure my grades are a top priority,” Benefield said. “Always keeping all A’s, having good time management, and always putting school first is important to me.”

The senior has her eyes set beyond the finish line, hoping to attend LSU and major in finance. Her choice of degree came with ease because of a school subject many struggle with.

“I’ve always been really good in my math class

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