Games of post-meet paranoia, van karaoke on the way to daily practice, charades to pass the time waiting in line for Disneyland rides—these moments of community are what make the running team special. Spending well over 12 hours a week together (not even including away meets!) brings them together in an inimitable way.
Ainsley H. ’26, who has run cross country and track and field for four years, holds the school record for the girls’ 100m and 200m, as well as a myriad of other numerical accomplishments. Yet, as they look back on their time running, what kept them going was not just improving their times, but the community that came with it.
“Because of how stressful and exhausting [running] can be, you get close with your teammates. There’s an understanding that these are all people who have made the same commitment that I have, and appreciate working hard and striving for self-improvement the same way that I do. I’m going to miss that community,” Ainsley said.
The seniors’ impact on the team can’t be missed, either. Though graduation is approaching quickly, the sentimentality of their final season has kept them engaged on the track.
“Since it’s their last year, they bring extra energy. They’re more motivated to give their all and make the most out of the season,” Jason L. ’28 said. “They’re always leading the charge and cheering.”
While this senior season brings more enthusiasm to the team, it also foreshadows the season’s end. Each meet raced is their last, each step on a familiar course is a goodbye. That sentiment is what makes the seniors treasure the sport, especially the team and people who make it special. It’s the same for Ryan F. ’26—although he will continue running competitively in the fall for the Pomona–Pitzer cross country team, the Nueva community remains special to him.
“[My last season] feels a bit bittersweet. I’m obviously looking forward to running next year, but this team has been such a huge part of my life for the past four years that it feels really weird to be leaving it behind. There’s been a lot of questioning in my head of what my life [will] look like without the team,” Ryan said.
As he graduates and leaves the community behind, he’ll carry with him the lessons he’s learned from four years of the sport.
“Hard work and dedication will pay off, but the people around you are even more important than the sheer amount of work you put in,” Ryan said.
