Claudia Luca '20 Recruiting Profile

    I started running when I was 12 years old with the Hopatcong Hawks Track and Field youth club and ever since the following year I started Hopatcong Hawks Cross Country youth club and eventually moved onto the Hopatcong Chiefs Track and Field and Cross Country program  and found my passion for distance running. My family, friends, coaches, and most importantly myself  have pushed myself to always do my best whether I feel good that day or the weather is not so nice out the day of a race or practice.  I would like to see how far running can take me in one of the divisions for a College. One of my biggest Goals I would like to achieve in life is running the Boston or New York marathon.  I am not only a very determined athlete but also a student at Hopatcong High School. I study very hard to keep my GPA high and not only want to encourage myself in school and on the track but volunteer to encourage the Youth Hopactong Hawks Track and Cross country Club where I started. 

    I believe anything is possible if you have the right mind set. Being determined, being willing to give up weekends to practice or study instead of being with friends, having a positive mindset about everything you do is the best way I have learned over the years of running to get through that hard workout or long test and essay you have to take. My sophomore year I came in first place against 8 other schools in my district and lost 3 races through out the season.  I have learned that losing makes me stronger to push myself harder in the race, to positively move on about the race, and look at the pros instead of all the cons. Being a nurse has been my dream since I was 14. I would love to help individuals feel and get better, and not only make them feel better but, there family and friends is feeling better. 

    I have worked hard so far for the things I have achieved such as my varsity letters since freshman year for Track and Cross country, my most valuable player for Cross Country freshman, sophomore, and junior year, athlete of the week for Cross Country freshman and sophomore year , athlete of the month for girls Track and Field, and lastly my Northwest Jersey Athletic First Team all Conference for my junior Cross Country year. and Northwest Jersey Athletic second Team all Conference.  For a college I would like to show how hard I work on the track and in school with no complaints but a heart for running, my determination is to always impress my coaches, and other teams or teammates.