Junior Lena Ross has always been passionate about track. Whether she’s doing sprints, participating in relays, or pushing herself to an amazing triple jump, she has always focused on her speed and determination.

“I just love running,” Ross said. “It gives me something to look forward to at the end of every day, and even on the worst days, I still see good in it,’’ Ross said.

Ross competes in multiple events for the school’s track and field team, excelling in sprints and jumps.

“I always tell myself to boost my esteem and just relax, let go, and let God, and you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you,’’ Ross said.

Her success doesn’t come without hard work. Ross trains six days a week, mixing sprint drills and strength training in the weight room to help maintain her strong core. Coach Suarez views Lena as an important piece of the program who is a dedicated leader on and off the track.

  “Lena trains hard daily whenever we hold practices; It shows how dedicated she is. She is a great team sport,” said coach David Suarez.

Ross isn’t just a track star. When she’s not running, she’s contributing to the school’s basketball team.

“In basketball, I love the coaching staff and some of the friends I made along the way. They all pushed me to improve, and I enjoyed seeing myself make so much progress in my first year of playing,” Ross said. 

Balancing two sports and academics isn’t always easy, but Ross keeps up with the challenge.

“It’s important to keep organized,” she said. “I always make sure to look at my schedules before so I don’t fall behind with academics or sports.”

Ross is focused on finishing the season strong, working on her speed and endurance, and helping her teams succeed on the track and the court. 

“I love that track is always going to challenge me and never lets me get comfortable; it helps being around my friends with us all encouraging each other”.