The beginning of the school year means that it is not only time for homework, teachers, friends, and hiding our NetClassRoom accounts from our parents- but all of the school’s activities, events, and sports! The Athlete of the Quarter is a senior on the Cross Country and Track team who has improved so much over the years. She is also a role model and influence for everyone looking up to her on her team and in everyday life. This athlete is Rachel Pellegrino. Rachel has shared her experience of these sports since she was in grade school and opened up to us about all of her
priorities and goals in her life right now.

 What sport(s) are you involved in here at Naz?

I’ve been running cross country and indoor/outdoor track at Nazareth for three years now – this will be my fourth. I basically run a lot and am constantly getting new sneakers. It sounds bad, but I get to spend every day after school with some pretty awesome people.

 Over the years, do you think you have improved a lot in these activities?

I’ve been doing track since fourth grade and cross country since seventh. Since coming to Nazareth, I have definitely improved a lot in my time because I’ve become a lot more serious about running. Also, through the years, I’ve learned what kind of runner I am. I’ve learned that even though I ran sprints all grade school. I’m definitely a mid-distance runner in track, and I love long runs (8-10 miles) – I’m actually planning on doing the Rocky 10-mile run in November.

 What would you say is your favorite part about being involved with this sport at Naz?

My favorite part about track and cross country is meeting new people at meets and running camps. I don’t know what it is about runners, but it’s so easy to make friends with them. We’re all friendly people and can bond over our running problems.

 Are you involved with other things here at Naz?

At Nazareth, I am a senior editor of Highlights, Vice President of Chemistry Club, President of Mu Alpha Theta, participate in Mathletes, play the clarinet in orchestra and jazz band, committee member of Nazathon, and I’m part of NHS and Student Council.

 What would your advice be to girls who are struggling with balancing sports, activities, and academics?

My advice would be not to stress or freak out. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming, but you just need to take a step back and breathe. With long weekday meets, it’s hard to get your homework and studying done by the early hours of the night. But I usually try and finish most of my homework in school before going to a meet, so I don’t have to worry about it while I’m there. Also, when being involved with a lot, time management skills are key to surviving. To help with this, I usually make a list of what I need to do and prioritize what needs to get done now and what can get done later. In the end, you need to realize ten years from now, you’re most likely not going to remember that test you cried over.

When you go into college, do you plan on trying out for any of their sports teams?

Yes, I’m actually looking to run cross country and track in college. I think getting an education is of the utmost importance of going to college, so I’m planning on going to a DIII school. I still want to be serious about running; however, I don’t want my whole college experience to be about running and competing.