For Emily Hanna, winning titles at the Class 2A state meet in track is more than just a goal, it's an expectation.

That's just part of the territory after the Fountain Valley senior has accumulated five state titles during her first three trips to state. That includes holding the record for the 100-meter hurdles at the state meet.

Hanna isn't about to stop piling up the achievements, either.

Not only are her eyes set on improving upon her record in the 100 hurdles, she also plans to participate in a few more events this year.

"My main goal is to shave some time off the hurdles, and I think I can do it," Hanna said. "I'm a much harder worker than I was when I was a freshman, so things are coming more naturally."

Hanna's coach, Jennifer Buckley, agrees that Hanna improving on her already impressive achievements is a realistic goal this season.

"Her work ethic is her defining feature," Buckley said. "She gives her best every day at practice and at meets; she's just a really dedicated athlete."

While track is Hanna's best sport, she also can play volleyball and basketball. But perhaps her most impressive achievements have come while riding a horse. During her sophomore year, her school's equestrian team won the national championship at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association.

Horse riding is a sport that runs in the family blood for Hanna, who has grown up on a ranch. Two years ago, she even bought one of her own horses, which she rides for pleasure.

"She's waking up before the sun gets up to ride her horses before she even comes to school," Buckley said.

But track is where Hanna says her competitive side comes out, which is why she has chosen to attend Texas Christian University and continue her track career there.

At TCU, Hanna is expected to run in the heptathlon, an all-inclusive contest consisting of seven events. In preparation for that change, she is planning on trying the long jump this year, an event she has not done much of outside of practice.

"I'm looking forward to it; that will give me another challenge," said Hanna, who also is considering running some 300 hurdle events for the Danes.

Buckley believes Hanna is capable of increasing her workload because of her experience.

"It's really inspiring to have her on the team as a role model, she just works really hard to maximize her potential," Buckley said.