Patricia Mroczkowski '19 Recruiting Profile

When I first joined my high school track team I did not have much experience under my belt. I started track / high jump in 8th grade. I didn't even know that it existed. I was pushed to try high jump by my coach because he saw potential through my height. I became addicted as soon as I touched the mat. Once my middle school track career pushed me into high school I knew I was bound for something greater than just meets. I knew that I had to train hard to get better; it was common sense. I sometimes had to be pushed into my workouts by my coach if I had a hard jumping day, but my reality check came my sophomore year. People were acknowledging that I was doing better than the average girls around Connecticut and I knew that's when I had to keep the ball rolling. I have learned the cliche experiences such as "hard work pays off" and "To always bring my 'A' game" but those are all very true. I had to realize that if I wanted to be a better athlete I had to use all my power to take off. I never had any obstacles during my career other than being the only girl high jumper in my high school. I had to branch out to other girls from surrounding towns so that I could have some friends in the same event. It was never a huge problem but there were some downfalls. I always had to practice by myself and had special workouts because I was a jumper and not a runner. I never really had anyone to relate to but I always had constant support from my team and coach. As far as personality goes the only characteristic that I have that most people don't is being supportive after a big loss. Since I am such an outgoing person I had to suck it up after each loss for our team and try to bring everyone's spirits up. Bringing a smile to my coach and teammates faces was always a goal for me at the end of the day. My academic achievements for highschool are being on the honour roll and maintaining a good GPA. I try to excelle in my classes and try my hardest to study. Track has a significant effect on my life and I don't know where I would be without it. It has rounded me to be a better person whether its on the field, at school or at home.