Marisa Gazzola '16 Recruiting Profile

I have grown up wanting to participate in track and field and started running competitively in 7th grade (Modified). I continued with spring track in 8th grade (Modified as well) and I was the anchor leg in our 4x100 relay that broke the school record. When I started high school I dropped all my other sports and decided to focus simply on track. In the indoor season (Freshman year) I made varsity standards in the 55 meter dash as well as the 300 meter dash. I also got to go to the Millrose games for the 4x400. In addition to this I also earned a plaque for being "Most Improved" for the girls in the winter season. By the time the spring season (Freshman year) came I was in shape and ready to go. I made varsity standards in the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash. I was also on the leadoff leg for the 4x100 and the 3rd leg for the 4x400. Our 4x100 team made it to the state-qualifier and we got 4th place. Our 4x400 missed the state-qualifier by one scratch. At the end of the season I earned a certificate for being the "Most Valuable Preformer" for sprints/hurdles. In the outdoor season I was also All-league in the 4x400m, All-county in the 4x100m, and All-section in the 4x100m and the 4x400m. During my Freshman going into Sophomore summer, I attended an athletic performance camp to help improve my form, as well as build knowledge in the weight-room. The next fall I continued training in preparation for the indoor and outdoor seasons. During my sophomore winter season, I was All-League in the 55m, 4x200m, and 4x400m and All-section in the 4x400m. During the winter season I ran in the state qualifier for the 55m and the 4x200m and I pr'd in both events. In addition, I was a Scholar-Athlete in the winter season. For my sophomore outdoor season, I was All-League in the 100m and All-Section in the 100m. At the state qualifier we were able to run in the 4x100m and we came in 2nd with a pr of close to a second. I was also Scholar-Athlete for the outdoor season. During my junior winter season, I was a All-Leage (1st in the 55m, 3rd in the 300m, and 1st in the 4x2), All-Section (1st in the 55m, 2nd in the 300m, and 1st in the 4x2), and I was All-County in the 4x2. Additionally, I was able to run the 55 and 4x2 at the Section 1 State Qualifier meet, and our 4x2 ran a season's best time. 

I plan to continue track throughout my high school career. By the time I am a senior I would like to break my high school's 100 meter dash record (12.5) and 55m record (7.58). I believe these are attainable goals. I will do whatever it takes to achieve them. I would also like to continue my track career in college. I am committed to the sport and I am willing to do everything in my power to improve my times. 

I have always done well in school. Every year in middle school I received principal's honor roll. I easily balanced my school-work with my sports. When I came into high school, nothing changed. I received high honor roll each quarter and I got good grades on my midterms, finals, and regents exams in addition to making some pretty great achievements on the track. I am not the kind of student that will let their grades drop because of involvement in a sport. I know how to manage my time properly and get what needs to be done done. I don't put anything on my plate that I can't handle. I chose my classes for junior year accordingly. This of course doesn't mean I don't take challenges. I am currently enrolled in several IB courses to further challenge myself. All in all, I love to learn and I love to run, so I do them both to my full ability. 

 My stats can be viewed at http://ny.milesplit.com/athletes/3075320-marisa-gazzola#.Ue8kQhZU3ww