Cara Mastan '24 Recruiting Profile

I have been running since elementary school, starting cross country in 8th grade and starting Track and Field in 9th. Though I've done other sports such as dance for 6+ years and hockey for 2+ years, running has always been the sport that has kept me going and given my dreams purpose. I aim to do indoor and outdoor track at the collegiate level. Being able to run competitively throughout college is something I have always strived for since I started track. Being able to accomplish that goal and go beyond that would create a new level of determination and drive to accomplish new goals.

Since I've realized and developed my running abilities, I've come to recognize that running is not just something I enjoy doing, but that it is also an integral part of my identity. The discipline, dedication, and stamina that I have cultivated through track have not only shaped me as an athlete but also as an individual ready to take on all aspects of life. 

Throughout my high school career, I have demonstrated dedication to athletics and academics alike. Having to balance track practices with academic obligations has trained me to develop efficient time management and organizational skills. As a result, I have maintained an outstanding academic record while consistently achieving remarkable results on the track. I have also been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a supportive community of coaches, teammates, and mentors who have encouraged me to push my limits and help maintain the balance. With every stride I take, I strive to surpass my previous personal bests and push the boundaries of what I thought was possible.

As well as being in a supportive track community and personal achievements, being part of a team has made me appreciate the individual victories of my teammates as well as realize and appreciate that those victories help the team grow as a whole and as a family. Participating in training and competition with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for running strengthens my determination as well as brings me joy. 

As I enter my senior year, the goals I've set athletically go beyond the track as I and my other senior teammates need to set examples for younger teammates. Though I am young and have many more years to achieve my goals and progress as an individual and athlete, discovering running has been one of the greatest and most important things in my life. Without track and running, I would have not found the sense of purpose I have now and the drive that keeps me going to this day.