As the season arises, the Cross Country Team is off to a fantastic start. Paige Volckmann is ready to reach some goals, as this is her last year.
Volckmann is a senior on the cross country team and has been competing since her freshman year.
In the beginning, Volckmann never pictured falling in love with the sport, but now she can’t picture life after highschool without it.
“I honestly wanted to stay in shape and felt that it was a good sport to do while not in lacrosse, but I found that it was something I truly enjoyed,” she said.
Endless support was always there for Volckmann. Whenever she needed someone to help pick her up she knew exactly who to turn to.
“I would say my biggest inspiration would be my dad and mom. My dad showed me the love for running and my mom always knows just what to say when I need advice,” Volckman said.
Over Volckmann’s four years on the Warren Hills team, she has competed in 27 races, and three this year so far. She currently ranks 18th in school history for a 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) with a time of 21 minutes 44.98 seconds.
Teammates all around Paige believe she is one they will never forget.
“The past four years of cross country with Paige had been filled with positive energy,” said team Captain Morgan Salmon, a senior. “We first became friends on the team during a pasta dinner and have been friends ever since. She fills the team with positive and fun energy by dancing and singing to music on runs.”
Volckmann doesn’t just bond with her grade. She guides and inspires the underclassmen, too.
“The past three years with Paige on the Cross Country Team has been so much fun,” said junior Amelia Witt. “She took me under her wing and introduced me to the team. She is someone I looked up to and connected with.”
Volckmann still has goals for herself and the team that she still wants to accomplish this season.
“My hope for the team this year is to work together and push each other in workouts and races as well as towards making it into groups,” she said, referring to the New Jersey state group championships. “For myself personally, I hope to continue to take time off and PR not only on the courses but for my overall time as well”.
Her goals do not stop after high school. Volckmann plans to run in college and chase more dreams and goals.
Throughout the years, Volckmann and the team have made many memories that she will remember.
“My favorite team memory would have to be all the runs the day before a meet. We take them as a team, and it really allows us to talk and get excited for the day ahead.”
Outside of Cross Country, Volckman loves to stay active in school. She’s involved in Peer Leadership, National Honor Society, Girls’ Lacrosse and a variety of classes.
Overall, Volckmann is ready to take on her last season. Ready to push and work hard so that she and the team can experience an amazing season and reach their team goals.