Emily Wang ’25 was a four year Senior from Laguna Niguel, California. She was co-captain of Girls Varsity Track and Field and Girls  Varsity  Soccer.  Next  year, Emily  will  attend  Georgetown University.

Teammate Olivia Lounsbury ’28 said, “Emily is a very supportive captain, the person to look for when you finish the race. She was always looking to bring the team together.”

Co-captain  Tessie  Connell  ’25 said, “Being a captain for such a big team—consisting of both boys and girls across all different skill levels and events—is a hard task. It requires a lot of time and energy. Emily always pushes other people to do their best with her own skills and sets a great example to all her fellow runners who look up to her.”

How did you start running track?

Ever since elementary school, I knew I wanted to do track, because I loved running and winning.

I  have  been  doing  track at Hotchkiss for all four years.

Why did you choose Hotchkiss?

I came to Hotchkiss because of a gut feeling. I knew very little about

all the different boarding schools,

but I already made up my mind that it was either Hotchkiss or staying home. Then I got in! The whole process was very spontaneous.

What are your favorite things about track?

Track is a challenging sport, so I feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement before every new season.

But I really enjoy being pushed past  my  limits,  and  there’s support  from  all  around.  After I finish, there’s a strong feeling of accomplishment you can’t get anywhere else.

I  didn’t  expect  to  build such strong  relationships  with the coaches,  especially  my event coaches DK [Richard Kirby] and Coach  [Nate]  Seidenberg. They really care about every athlete on the team, and I can really feel their support.

I  like  the  track  community because everybody is very close. Being able to do the workouts as a team and pushing one another is great.

I get anxious before every event, but my coaches and teammates give me the encouragement I need. My teammates typically circle the track  to  cheer  at  every  corner. This keeps me motivated to go my hardest all the way to the end.

What are some lessons you have learned here?

I  learned  that  the  only  thing stopping you from performing is your own mind. Sports are very mental, and I’ve learned how to push past my own doubts and focus on the goal.

Something  I  live  by  is  that academics  can’t  always  come first. Yes, it’s important to do your best work in school, but it’s also important to go out and enjoy what our school has to offer beyond the education.

What has it been like being a co- captain?

I  have  really  enjoyed  my experience as a captain and being one of the few Senior sprinters, since I’m able to pass down my knowledge to the younger athletes and coach in ways I was once coached.

I hope my teammates know I’m always cheering for them.

What have been some of your favorite moments with the team here?

I’m the anchor in the girls 4x400m relay. In a recent race, during the last 50 meters, I was head-to-head with this Taft girl. She’s a very impressive athlete and has a strong time for her 400m. I really did not want to lose.

I saw her pass me slightly, and so I dug down deep inside my core and found energy I didn’t know I had. In the last few steps of the race, I inched forward and took the lead.

Afterwards,   I   was   beyond exhausted and so relieved. It was such  a  meaningful  moment  for me when many of my teammates surrounded me in a group hug. I’m glad I didn’t let them down.

What are your goals for college and beyond?

I’m not sure if I’ll be able to walk on to track at Georgetown, since it is D1. Nonetheless, I’ll give it my best shot. I also want to try and walk on to the soccer team.

Whatever  happens,  I  know  I will  continue  to  participate  in both sports in one way or another because I really do enjoy them.

Academically, I’m just going to spend my time figuring out what I’m  truly  passionate  about  and hopefully make a career out of it.