Track Coach Alex Smolka is impressed with the way the girls have started their spring season. “Overall, we have come out of the gate very strong,” Coach said. One of the main reasons Coach is all smiles is Sophomore Monika Grabowiecka who was named the A-Sun Performer of the Week on March 9. “Her times have really improved, especially for this early in the season,” Coach said.

At the UCF Invitational, Monika won the 5,000 meter by nearly 42 seconds with a time of 18:13.44. The time was not only a personal best but also a new school record for the event. Monika shattered the record previously held by Brittany Powers by more than 16 seconds. In the Disney Relays at Lake Buena Vista Florida held on March 12, Monika also won the 3,000 meter with a time of 10:31.80.

The team was impressive overall as well. “We are definitely ahead of the team last year,” said Smolka of the team. “So far it looks like the 200 meter is going to be our best team event, we have a lot of depth there.” Some of the players who run this event are Sophomore Malika Clary and Juniors Jian Jones Marilyn Stephens.

At the UCF Invitational, freshman Trisha Doyle brought home a first place finish in the 3,000 meter with a time of 10:56.81. Senior Raynell Hagberg also had a first place finish in the 1,500 meter with a time of 4:34.09. The team finished third at the Disney Relays behind UCF and Baldwin-Wallace College.