From the starting block to the finish line, Marlborough’s Varsity track and field team is running full speed into their most exciting season yet. With their sights set on a standout finish at the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIFSS), the team has been driven by not only personal goals but also the unbreakable bond with their teammates.
Although not typically associated with being a team sport, this year’s track team demonstrates how shared goals and working as a unified force are ultimate strategies for success. The team’s dedication guides every single sprint and jump. These athletes are not shy to point out that their bond off the track is just as powerful as their performance on it. Get to know the Varsity track and field team and the traditions that make being part of it so special.
Q: If you could describe the track team in three words, what would they be?
Soleil ’29: “Encouraging, partnership, fast.”
Zeina ’28: “Driven, connected, unified.”
Indira ’29: “Energetic, motivated, caring.”
Q: Do you have any pre-race rituals or team traditions before meets?
Ella ’29: “I usually try to eat a lot of fruit before races so I don’t lose my energy, and mostly I just try to go in with a positive mindset by hanging out with friends.”
Zeina ’28: “We do team bonding every once in a while, where we go to dinner, usually hot pot. We listen to music on the speaker during warm-ups and it’s really fun.”
Q: What has been your favorite memory from the season so far?
Chloe ’29: “My favorite memory was going to the Harvard-Westlake meet with our team. We cheered each other on, and the energy was just super high and it was super fun there.”
Kendall ’29: “Running with my teammates and them cheering me on.”
Q: How do your teammates make practices more fun or motivating?
Tia ’28: “I think that after a long day, everyone of all grade levels comes together and we have a lot of fun with each other, no matter how hard the practice is.”
Esme ’27: “By telling jokes, it makes practice easier to get through.”
Q: What is the best part of being on the track team?
Eleanor ’28: “Having incredible teammates that are all working really hard for a common goal and are helping each other succeed.”
Surya ’28: “Getting exercise and making friends in other grades.”
Q: How do you all support each other during tough workouts or races?
Miria ’29: “We support each other by giving motivational advice, and when we see someone struggling, we always try to uplift them through just helping them out mentally because track is a very mentally draining sport. I would say just good vibes all around and being positive during workouts.”
Q: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
Eleanor ’28: “100-meter because it is super fun to run, something short to see the micro progress and even the smallest personal best.”
Zeina ’28: “My favorite event is the 200 because it feels like the perfect mix of a short distance sprint and a mid-distance jog.”
Katelyn ’27: “I usually do the 1600. I like it because I appreciate the endurance aspect.”
Q: What is the team’s biggest goal for this season?
Tia ’28: “For the season, I would say the team’s biggest goal is to just beat their individual times. I think everyone wants to PR this year or beat their PR from last year. I would say just trying our 100% best.”
Diana ’28: “To do well at CIF and work together as a team.”
Q: How do upperclassmen help support or guide the younger runners?
Ella ’29: “I think the upperclassmen can give a lot of helpful tips, and they help by telling less experienced runners not to put a lot of pressure on themselves, and overall, the whole team is just really supportive.”
Kendall ’29: “They lead workouts and offer advice during tough times.”
Q: What’s the future of the track team look like? Who are some young athletes on the team we should keep an eye out for?
Jaya ’29: “The future of the team is definitely going to be really positive. We have a lot of freshmen, such as Kayla, Carrara, Caidyn and Ella, who are really great at the 100 and 400s.”
Esme ’27: “Eleanor Smith can be seen in the future of the track team because she is a very hard worker.”
Katelyn ’27: Chloe does distance and she has great endurance. I am very grateful she decided to join cross country and track.”
