Girls Track & Field – Virtual Senior Day
In honor of our senior student-athletes, the North Allegheny Athletic Department presents “Virtual Senior Day” for the North Allegheny girls’ track and field team. Thanks to the outstanding effort of the North Allegheny track and field boosters, here is a compilation of biographies and player photos for the seniors on the 2020 roster. You may click on each player’s photo to view an even larger image of her senior picture. Additionally, below is a Senior Tribute Video for both boys’ and girls’ track and field that was created and edited by Stephanie Fiedler. Thank you to everyone who assisted on this project and congratulations to the Senior Class of 2020.
MADELEINE BLOOMQUIST
Years on the Team: Grades 8-12
College Choice: The Ohio State University
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t improve right away. With consistent hard work, you’re guaranteed to get better over time!
What is your favorite memory from NATF: When I ran the 3200m at an individual in ninth grade. Coach Neff let me go with them because no one else wanted to do the 2-mile. I came in last and barely made it across the finish line but I was so proud of myself. Anytime I’ve had a tough race or thought about dropping out, I think back to that moment and it reminds me I am strong.
What is your favorite quote from a coach: “You have to want it more than anything.”
SAMANTHA BORIS
Years on the Team: Grades 7-12
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Embrace every single moment of your NATF experience. Never leave the track feeling like you could’ve given more. Create memories that will last a lifetime, as you do not know when it could your last race as a Tiger.
What is your favorite memory from NATF: I would have to say creating friendships, more like family.
What is your favorite quote from a coach: “What are you waiting on…The 16A?”
CASEY BURTON
Years on the Team: Grades 7-12
College Choice: Princeton University
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Focus on having fun. Love what you’re doing before you try to be great at it.
What is your favorite memory from NATF: My favorite memory from NATF was ninth grade PIAA states. I won my first state medal and I was seeded at 13th. Coach Interthal encouraged me to “fight like heck” before I ran in the semifinals and I ended up qualifying for finals, securing myself as a medal recipient. I then beat three girls in that heat and ended the meet with a fifth-place medal. The excitement of my hard work paying off and the exhilarating feeling of running at a high rank meet made me realize my love for Track and Field.
What is your favorite quote from a coach: “Your goal should always be better than the person you were yesterday.”
CAROLINE DAGGETT
Years on the Team: Grades 7-12
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Always double check your meet bag. You may have forgotten essential items. I know I often did.
What is your favorite memory from NATF: My favorite memory was at the Baldwin Invitational during my sophomore year. At this meet, I got my mile PR and completely shocked myself with how I ran.
What is your favorite quote from a coach: “I used to eat full chocolate cakes after my runs.”
JESSICA KOTRICK
Years on the Team: Grades 8-12
College Choice: University of North Carolina-Wilmington
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Try new events!! Mix it up a little and try something you’ve never done! I – finally – tried high jump after years of strictly throws and I ended up having so much fun! Also, drill technique so hard! It’s super-duper important to have that foundation.
What is your favorite memory from NATF: Track tan lines, being a track MVP, Panera bagels, Motts, Coach G buying the throwers pizza at the Latrobe Invite, and bonding with the underclassmen!
What is your favorite quote from a coach: “It’s a great day to be a Tiger.”
HANNAH LINDGREN
Years on the Team: Grades 7-12
College Choice: University of Delaware
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Do all the little things right outside of practice. Eat well, get enough rest and take time to stretch. They might not seem like a big deal on a given day but the long-term impacts of consistently making the right choices will be incredible.
What is your favorite memory from NATF: Stopping at Whole Foods to buy blueberry bagels mid-run & Clara’s calculator watch.
What is your favorite quote from a coach: “That…was…dynamite.”
JENNA MLECKO
Years on the Team: Grades 7-12
College Choice: University of Delaware
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Be positive and outgoing. You might meet your best friends.
What is your favorite memory from NATF: Singing “Dancing Queen” in the locker room.
What is your favorite quote from a coach: “Cripe!”
SYDNEY MONTEPARTE
Years on the Team: Grades 7-12
College Choice: Duquesne University
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Don’t take anything for granted. You never know what could happen. Work hard and enjoy being part of such an amazing team.
What is your favorite memory from NATF: Creating team goals with “chuckers” and really coming together as a team, even though the season was short-lived.
EMILY NAUGHTON
Years on the Team: Grades 8-12
College Choice: The Ohio State University
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Don’t take a moment for granted because before you know it you’ll be moving on to the next chapter of your life and you don’t want to leave behind NATF having any regrets. Make sure to take advantage of any opportunity to improve your skills because all of your hard work will definitely pay off when meet time comes around. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to meet new people, support your teammates and have a BLAST!!
What is your favorite memory from NATF: The WPIAL championships my sophomore year when I ran my fastest 400 in the 4×4 relay. I can just remember the cheers filling the stadium and all the excitement that was running through me as I crossed the finish line and saw all my friends waiting to celebrate. The karaoke session on the bus ride home was pretty fun! (Just so you know, this was a very difficult question.)
What is your favorite quote from a coach: “Don’t tap out!”
KELSEY O’NEILL
Years on the Team: Grades 7-12
College Choice: Ball State University
What advice would you give to a freshman new to NATF: Have fun and take every opportunity you get.
What is your favorite memory from NATF: Running the 4×400 meter relay at WPIALs in 2019.
Biographies and photos were not submitted by the following seniors:
Ella Backouskas (Grade 12)
Kyra Roseman (Grade 12)
Hannah Spellman (Grades 9-12)