Nicki Ghazarian was born to run—for president and with her feet.

The incoming Westlake High senior is gearing up for a promising season with the girls’ cross country team.

As leader of the pack, Ghazarian’s goals are simple.

“I just want to do well,” she said, “and I want to break 18 minutes for three miles.”

Ghazarian owns the secondfastest time in school history for a cross country race, completing the 2009 Marmonte League finals in 18 minutes, 11 seconds.

Jasmine Hayes has the WHS record with 17:42 in 2005.

Ghazarian’s best time last season was 18:47.

Head coach Joe Snyder expects Ghazarian to thrive.

“She’s going to do well,” Snyder said. “She’s a tremendous leader. She’s a great kid who’s highly motivated academically and athletically.”

For a student-athlete who is active in student government, the classroom and athletics, Ghazarian, 17, is a role model for Snyder’s runners.

“We stress with our kids to remember that character is the biggest thing,” the coach said.

Teammates appreciate competing with a positive and upbeat Ghazarian.

“She’s a real good leader,” said junior teammate Ashlie Bridge-Jackson.

“On the track in the middle of a race, she’ll encourage you even though she’s dying. She’s running her heart out but she’ll tell you to keep going.”

Ghazarian, an honors student who has a 4.6 cumulative grade-point average, has been involved in student government since the sixth grade.

She was class president as a sophomore and junior, as well as in eighth grade at Los Cerritos Middle School. This year, she’ll be co-president of the National Honors Society.

“I enjoy it,” she said. “I feel like I’m more a part of the school and I get to know kids from all grades. I’m connected with staff and administrators. It’s fun to feel like you’re making a difference with your class.”

The Warrior’s first college choice is Georgetown, and she’s leaning toward studying international relations.

Ghazarian grew up playing soccer, where she’s also been active as a referee and coach.

Her introduction to cross country was mere coincidence.

“I never thought I would run for fun,” she said.

Ghazarian didn’t run cross country as a freshman. She joined the track and field team because of her friends’ involvement, and that led to cross country the following year. She slowly eased herself away from soccer.

Running—for cross country or president—fits the bill for Ghazarian.

“I love the feeling of having to push yourself without stopping,” she said. “It’s a release for me. I feel so much better after I run, about everything. I love the people that I run with and being outdoors. I have a great team and really good coaches.

“I hope it’s a great last year.”