Junior Elsie Czarniewski does not stop her race to be the best athlete she can be on the track.
Since Czarniewski was young, running has been more than just a sport.
“I started to love running at the age of 7; track specifically became a passion of mine when I was 9 years old watching the Olympics,” Czarniewski said. “I remember sitting with my grandpa idolizing the talent those athletes had, [and] since then, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with competing, more love than hate for sure though.”
When it comes to setting goals for a sport and being so passionate about it, Czarniewski takes the time out of her day to fit extra running practice into her schedule.
“I spend so much time running that it has ultimately become my personal life,” Czarniewski said.
“I think that track being such a large part of my life causes me to strive to be better.”
Not only has running been a priority for Czarniewski, but the most important part of the season is the teammates she has by her side.
“The friends I’ve made in track and cross country are some of my best friends, ” Czarniewski said.
During this season, minutes after finishing the first run the void of being sidelined for 8 weeks due to posterior tibial tendonitis, Czarniewski still puts in the dedication and strength to be the top athlete of her team
“Elsie shows her endless dedication and hard work through her adversity,” sophomore Tessa Russo said. “[She} is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. She is easy to talk to when I struggle with running, and she is very supportive of the entire team.”
Though only a junior, Czarniewski is already exploring her options to run at a D1 college.
“I’ve been on calls with BGSU and the University of South Florida, and I have a call with IUPUI next week,” Czarniewski said. “It’s scary waiting to be interviewed on a phone call that could possibly change my life.”
The girl’s track team is helmed by the new coach Andrew Derks, and with a new coach also comes a new mindset.
“If you asked me a year ago if I wanted to run in college or not, I would have on one hundred percent told you no, but my new coach has made me realize that it is the people who change your whole experience in a sport,” Czarniewski said “He made me realize how exciting and therapeutic running can be if you do it right. With enjoying it comes success.”
Derks not only noticest her passion for track but the effort that comes with it.
“She has the ability to push herself more than a lot of people,” Derks said. “The tenacious work ethic, whatever she does, she doesn’t like to do anything half. She works hard at everything she does in life, works hard as a student, works hard as a runner, when she is injured she trains hard and she just brings a very hard work ethic to the team.”
Throughout the past seasons, Czarniewski’s success in track has brought her many opportunities for her future.
“Track has brought me countless amounts of personal success,” Czarniewski said. “I feel accomplished and yet unfulfilled, which pushes me to improve.”
