Lakeville South senior Morgan Pieri is one of the state's top girls' high jumpers.

Pieri placed third in the event with a leap of 5 feet, 6 inches in the Class 2A track and field state meet a year ago at Hamline University in St. Paul. Teammate junior Caraline Slattery won the event at 5-8, a mark that Pieri has also reached.

Pieri, who serves as one of the team's captains, has also posted the top 10 leaps in school history in the long jump and triple jump.

Here is a closer look at Pieri, who also played tennis for the Cougars in the fall:

Q: The best movie I've seen in the last year?

A: "Heaven is for Real."

Q: Three words my friends or teammates might use to describe me?

A: Crazy, funny and weird.

Q: Three songs I never skip on my iPod are …

A: … "Yeah" by Joe Nichols; "Beat of the Music" by Brett Eldredge; and "Red Dirt Road" by Brooks and Dunn.

Q: What are your three favorite apps?

A: Twitter, Vine and Snapchat.

Q: Who do you like to follow the most on Twitter, and why?

A: Cute Emergency because they have adorable pictures of animals.

Q: When did you get involved in track?

A: I started in the little kids track program in third grade, and started high jumping in fifth grade.

Q: To get focused for a meet, I …

A: … listen to pump-up music on the way, block everyone out and think about my goals for that day.

Q: What is your favorite meal before a meet?

A: Chicken, pasta, salad and fruit.

Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?

A: Being undefeated and winning the True Team state track title in 2012.

Q: What are your goals for the remainder of the track season?

A: Win the True Team state track championship again and get consistent at higher heights in the high jump.

Q: How did you balance school and sports throughout your career?

A: I used my work time in school wisely and managed my time.

Q: When you have time off during vacation, what do you like to do?

A: Go fishing, swimming and relax in the sun.

Q: Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why?

A: The Nebraska Cornhuskers. I will be attending there in the fall.

Q: Do you have a secret talent — and if so, what is it?

A: Song writing (playing guitar/singing).

Q: In 10 years, I hope I'm …

A: … successful with my job and starting a family.

Q: What is the best sports advice you ever received?

A: Stay focused on your goals, and don't let people get in your head.

RON HAGGSTROM