Rachel Vigorita '19 Recruiting Profile

No one is the same as we all know, but I feel my attributes and how I apply myself in school, and in this sport makes me different. Ever since I saw my older sister compete, I was hooked. I knew track and field was going to be, "my thing". Before going into high school I qualified and went to Nebraska to compete in the State Game Of America. I have been dedicated to this sport since the start and it is my favorite thing to do. My adventure began summer going into 6th grade when I started track camp, and I have gone every year since. When I was too old for the camp, I became a counselor. I really enjoy helping others at practice and those at camp learn aspects of this sport and see them achieve and improve, because I know what this sport has done for me and how great it is.

I don’t just want myself to achieve, I want to see my teammates accomplish their goals and do well. I was and still am the kid who took this sport seriously and who couldn't wait for camps, practices, and meets because it meant I could work on my skills and improve myself. I could be better, jump higher, throw farther, run faster. When I hit take off, I feel the rush in my body as I go over the bar. I have to say, I love that feeling. Being a part of a team gives me an amazing sense of support and encouragement. I have learned to push myself in what I do.

I enjoy learning, so this year I decided to challenge myself and take more Honors classes and enroll in a few AP courses. I even challenged myself to take part in a partnership my school has with Middlesex Community College and take a college class there. For these you need to truly apply yourself and put effort in. I do not want to settle for bare minimum because I know I have so much more to give and that I can do. Even when I jump and get a new personal record, I don't stop. Clearing just gives me the opportunity to jump at higher heights and apply what I can do at a new challenge for myself. When I am tired of working out, I push for more reps or a few more minutes. When facing a problem in class, I don't give up on it. I keep working at the problem until I get the answer, and the knowledge of why. The why is important. Why was this the correct answer? Relates to track because, why did I get over the bar? The right formula in math yields a correct answer. The right combination of technique in track, yields a good and maybe even better performance. I critique myself during practice and meets after I jump. What did I do well? What did I do not so well? How can I improve? Overall I think that my qualities make me different from others and represent me well. I can't wait to see where these next couple years take me!

-Rachel Vigorita