As the season turns to Spring, AP tests pass and seniors become lazier than ever, the track team ramps up its training countermanding the growing laziness of senioritis.

For a few seniors, like Ellie Kopf ’17, spring means another chance to enjoy the good weather and a good run.

A long time soccer player, Kopf ’17 made the switch from pitch to track her junior year as a way to change things up a bit. After having played soccer for much of her childhood, track was a way to try something new and expand her horizon a bit. Kopf ’17 fell in love with the short exciting bursts and the more individually focused sport of Track and Field.

Having now completed two seasons of Track and one of Cross Country, Kopf ’17 has begun to really enjoy the sport, particularly the “mixed individual and team dynamic” that track offers.

Having come from soccer, a very team oriented sport, Kopf ’17 felt the relief of not having to make every play to avoid letting her team down, but Track offered an opportunity to grow as an individual in a way soccer did not. In setting personal goals and striving to meet them, Kopf ’17 discovered a personal drive within her, one that is spurring her on to great things in the future.

Kopf ’17 will run track at Santa Clara University next year, a testament to not only her athletic, but also her academic ability. Although balancing school and sports is a difficult task for many, a routine is the key; “Having come from select soccer, it is normal that I have practice after school and then homework after that,” said Kopf. That balance of school and sports allows Kopf ’17 to excel in both areas, something she will continue to do at the collegiate level.