After struggling with her times earlier this year, sophomore runner Alana Ipolito knew she had to work harder to regain her speed. 

At the beginning of her outdoor track season, she was discouraged because she wasn’t running as fast as she had in her freshman year.

“My freshman year, I was running 2:40s in the 800 meters, and in my sophomore year, I ran mostly 2:50,” Ipolito said.

Ipolito put in more effort during her practices to break the cycle.  

“I started working a lot harder at practice. I did much more during my workouts and did some speed work with my coach for a few weeks,” Ipolito said. 

She eventually improved her time during her leg of the 4×800 relay at Mount Union later in the season.

“My team was really behind, but when they handed me the baton, I split a 2:48 and caught up,” Ipolito said. 

That motivated her for the rest of the season. 

“I felt pretty discouraged and disconnected from the sport, but breaking through that barrier made me realize that the workouts I was doing actually paid off,” Ipolito said.  

Sophomore Emily Caldwell has noticed the impact of that meet on Ipolito. 

“I know that was a big day for her. She looks back on that day still and sets her goals for running compared to those times,” Caldwell said. 

Ipolito said her track performance depends on her physical achievements as well as her mindset towards the sport. 

“Track is just as much of a mental sport. It’s hard to get out of your head when you have so many people telling you different things, but it’s only truly fun when you run for yourself,” Ipolito said. 

Caldwell complimented Ipolito’s motivation and ability to set goals for herself. 

“She has certain things she wants to accomplish. She calls it a hunger. It makes her work really hard, and I really admire that,” Caldwell said. 

Junior Riley Sanders also pointed out Ipolito’s ambitious attitude toward approaching meets. 

“No matter how she feels, she keeps pushing through, determined to get a good time and place,” Sanders said, “Even after a race, she keeps a positive and energetic attitude.”

Ipolito balances her social life with track and tries to give it her all, even on the days she’s tired.

“The South Fayette Invite was the morning after the junior prom. I was exhausted when I got up in the morning, but I pushed through it and ended up getting fifth in our 4×8,” Ipolito said. 

She believes team bonding is important despite track often being an individual sport. 

“It’s always easier to run knowing you have support from the people around you. Also, if a race doesn’t go your way, you can always talk to them about it, because they’ve probably experienced something similar,” Ipolito said. 

The team bonds not only during the season but all year round. 

“I have a great time going on long runs with my friends during practice. We also had a lot of fun during our cross-country trip at Hershey,” Ipolito said. 

Ipolito is looking forward to excelling in the future and continues to set goals. 

“Next season, I hope to keep having fun and to meet new people as well as break 2:40,” Ipolito said.