Track was not the first choice for sophomore Gianna Harkins.

After trying out for a club soccer team last spring, Harkins was ecstatic to find out she made it. But she was not aware that this accomplishment would come with a cost.

“I realized that my schedule would be too busy,” Harkins said. “I actually had to give up being a part of the musical to pursue soccer.”

Harkins struggled to make a choice between being in the musical and joining Beadling SC. This decision became easier when she found out she would have time to participate in track after dropping the musical to pursue soccer.

“I’m genuinely glad I did it because it opened an opportunity for track,” Harkins said. “Now I really enjoy both.”

The idea of joining the track team started last summer, when sprinting coach Jeremy McCullough encouraged Harkins’ performance in speed and agility sessions offered to all Baldwin athletes. Harkins is glad that she chose track because it has introduced her to some of her friends and helped her gain important skills. 

“Track has been a very wonderful experience so far, and it’s very beneficial,” Harkins said.

Harkins has performed well so far. She set personal records in all three of her events at the 

West Mifflin meet in March, with her best time being 28.8 in the 200-meter race.

Her most recent personal record was a time of one minute and two seconds in the 400-meter race.

Recently, she has been added to the 4×400 team and performed very well. This last-minute change allowed Harkins to earn a regular spot on that relay team.

“I got put on the 4×400 team at an invitational unexpectedly and our team competed very well,” Harkins said. “I have learned that many unexpected things can happen in track.”

Harkins’ versatility makes her an important teammate. Occasionally, Harkins is asked to run in events that she has never run before, but she is not afraid to jump into new situations.

“Gianna is super versatile, and is always willing to participate in any event that they need her for,” sophomore Kaitlyn Lewis said. 

Harkins also appreciates the time she gets to spend with friends, and her supportive personality makes her a great teammate. 

“Gianna is always uplifting and positive towards everyone on the track,” sophomore Addison Troutman said. 

Her athleticism helps her be able to run multiple events. 

“She is athletic, and she uses skills that she has from soccer to help herself and the team out,” Troutman said. 

Harkins keeps herself constantly motivated to keep learning more and getting better. With such a busy schedule, it can be difficult to keep pushing forward.

“I just have to think about the end goal and what I really want,” Harkins said.

Her goal is to play soccer in college. Track helps her stay in shape and practice self-discipline. 

“Going to track every day, even if you don’t want to or had a rough day, shows self-discipline,” Harkins said. “Having soccer some days and track every day really means you have to stick with your commitments.”