Personal Statement
My name is Stella Hammond and I am a student at St Dominic's Catholic College in Auckland, New Zealand, intending to start university in 2023. I am currently 16 and started competing in cross country and track and field seriously at the start of 2020. I quickly developed a passion for distance running. I am highly dedicated to my training, and I take pleasure in the satisfaction of seeing my work ethic pay off. In June 2021, I competed in my first national cross country event, NZSSA Secondary Schools Cross Country Nationals, and placed 8th in the senior girl's division, U19s. This allowed me to make the NZ Paper Team for Secondary Schools cross country athletes. Considering I am only at the beginning of my running journey, I believe I can grow closer to my full potential in the years to come, particularly if I were to be a part of an NCAA college team.
I am also am dedicated academically and strive for top marks in all subject areas at my current school, and have achieved NCEA Endorsed with Excellence for both years I have seated NCEA examinations. This is the highest possible endorsement that is able to be gained through NCEA.
