Words by Logan Fowler | Image by Al Blanton

Amid a move to a new city at a young age, Jasper native Aubry Zuberi found stability in unfamiliar surroundings through sports. Over time, running became one of the clearest ways she understood herself. It has been a source of belonging, confidence, and purpose through every stage of her growth.

Aubry dedicated herself to cross country in middle school, though other sports briefly drew her away. By her sophomore year at Fultondale High School, she had returned to the track and emerged as a two-time state champion.

Still, her confidence seemed to grow alongside her success. As she closed out high school and college programs began taking notice of her skills, Aubry started to recognize more fully what she was capable of.

“After I won state my junior year, I realized, ‘Hey, I’m actually good,’” Aubry says.

That growing sense of possibility led her to the University of South Alabama (USA), where she now competes in cross country and track. But her first year in Mobile brought an unexpected challenge when an overuse injury from high school caught up with her.

“I basically broke my left tibia,” Aubry said.

Rather than letting the setback define her, Aubry spent the summer rebuilding, determined to return stronger for the upcoming cross-country season.

Now a junior at USA, she hopes to become a sports physical therapist, specifically working with G-League basketball athletes, while continuing to pursue her own goals as a runner.

“Without running,” Aubry said, “I don’t know who or what I would be.” 78