As winter sports reach the middle of the season, the girls’ indoor track team has been on a roll. With a record of 6-1-1, they have displayed hard work, leadership, and connection between veteran runners and new freshmen
Head coach Scott Marcoulier has been coaching for six years now, starting as the assistant coach, moving up to being the head coach, and regularly coaching the 300 meters, 600 meters, and middle/long distance sprints.
“So far, it’s been a great experience. It’s been one of the seasons I look forward to the most,” said Marcoulier.
As of right now, the team has been undefeated due to their dedication and teamwork. These girls work hard, cheering each other on and creating new friendships, always having people by their side.
“I have more fun cheering for teammates, even ones I barely know, than I do running my actual race,” said freshman Alessia Ross.
This season, Marcoulier had to adjust his coaching focus due to staff changes, coaching the 55-meter sprints and the hurdles. Despite the change, he believes his team has found its rhythm.
“We have settled into a practice routine and are increasing our speed and training distances,” said Marcoulier.
As a coach, Marcoulier balances training intensity with athletes’ health. He emphasizes the importance of spacing out workouts, especially during weeks with multiple meets.
“We’ll try and tame back some of our workouts, and plan if we have a hard workout, then a lighter workout, a recovery workout,” said Marcoulier, “just so we space things out appropriately, so we’re really not overworking the athletes.”
Marcoulier also noted that the team chemistry continues to grow, introducing the new freshmen and welcoming back their old teammates.
“The team is starting to become a cohesive group where they are encouraging other teammates and becoming more familiar with the meet formats,” said Marcoulier.
That welcoming atmosphere of the team has been noticed by their underclassmen, who quickly felt included in both meets and practices, highlighting how supportive the team is.
“My first impression of the team was how it seemed like a tight-knit community that I was very welcomed into immediately,“ said freshman Neva Froio.
As a first-year athlete, Froio focused on growth and contributing to the team whenever and however she could.
“I’m focused on learning, improving, and doing my best to contribute wherever I’m needed. I want to work hard and be someone the team can count on, striving to be a captain and a leader one day,” said Froio.
Another freshman athlete, Alessia Ross, said that meets are one of the most enjoyable parts of the season, balancing competition and fun, allowing the team to stay focused while enjoying the experience.
“I really love the meets, which everyone said were super fun and silly when you aren’t running your race,” said Ross.
With a nearly perfect season so far, strong leadership, and a supportive team, the Masco girls’ indoor track hopes to set up their continued success heading into the final stretch of the season and win the title as league champions.