Sandra Dolata '23 Recruiting Profile

I’ve been running since I was very little. I watched my brothers run at races, and I knew I was going to run. They shared their passion of running with me, and taught me no matter how hard and painful it is, to not give up. I am a very competitive person, and I like to win. This year I learned how important my team is, and they became my family. This year I made it to regionals, and my team came to support me, and it meant everything. Running this year has shown me that there is more to running, and I can’t wait for the next season to experience them with my team.  I love running, and I love my team, and I can’t wait to run with them again! 

My 2020 cross country season was very short due to an injury.  After the second race, I was diagnosed with a fracture in my lower back, which placed me in an immobilizing brace for 8 weeks. Due to the injury, I was given the opportunity to become team manager. This allowed me to see the team from another perspective. My team was very inclusive and made me comfortable with my circumstances. Through another perspective, I was able to see how to become a better runner and teammate. I love my team and I can't wait to run this track season. I am on the slow journey to recovery, and I can't wait to run with the team again.

So far this 2021 cross country season has had its ups and downs. My times have been rough, but I will forever have to deal with the injuries in my back, and I’m proud of how I have done. I have been putting in the work to help my times get back to where they were, and I am seeing the results. I hope to see my times drop down to where they were my freshman year, and I am putting in the work to get that result. This season has been up in the air for me and my times, but I am back into running, and can’t wait to see how I end the season.