Lillian Gonda '22 Recruiting Profile

Track and field has been an influential part of my life since I was little. My mother has been a track coach my whole life, so growing up, I spent many days of my childhood at practices and meets. That's when my passion for the sport really blossomed. I started running in second grade at a CYO program through my church, and I have been running track for eight years now. I was ecstatic to become a part of my high school varsity team as a freshman, and it has been my home ever since. 

From the 100m to the quarter, my coach knows that I am always able to be put into an array of events and relays in a bind. Being a versatile athlete has given me amazing training for all the different aspects of sprinting, but I know I can learn and improve even more. With being very coachable as well, I am always willing to learn new things. I’ve long jumped and dabbled in hurdles as a way to broaden my horizons. 

While continuing to challenge myself athletically, I also challenge myself academically. I continue to balance a varsity sport while taking numerous AP and honors classes at my high school, maintaining a 4.0/6.1 GPA, and being a part-time dual-enrolled student at Indian River State College. I am working towards graduating high school with my A.A. degree in Finance/Marketing. 

Going into my senior season, I am excited to see what more I am able to accomplish, especially with having my sophomore and junior season cut short. As an update about my junior season, I struggled with COVID recovery. Being unable to practice to the full of my potential has taught me a lot about mental strategy and toughness, which will absolutely help me as I further my track career. I ended up running at a couple meets  towards the end of the season and it felt amazing to be back out there again. That being said, I was not back to where I was before, so I can’t wait to see where this final season will take me. As I continue to explore my academic and athletic options for the future, I’m hoping to find a competitive program where I will succeed in both.