These interviews were done remotely due to COVID-19 precautions.

Because of the cancellation of the 2020 spring sports season, senior athletes reflected on the best moments from their time playing their sport at Algonquin.

Hannah Jaiswal:

What are you most proud of from your time doing unified track at Algonquin?

“I think I’m most proud of the connections we make as a team by the end of each season. Everyone is so committed to making friends and creating a completely inclusive environment. It’s so great to see the friendships and bonds created by the end of the season. Everyone tries their best to get better at their event, and it’s so great to see the improvement as well. This team has something very special, and we work so hard to help each other grow throughout the season.”

What will you miss most from doing unified track  at Algonquin?

“I’m going to miss practicing with the team after school. Practices are always so fun whether we are working on field events, running or playing tag games. We always leave time at the end of practices to talk or play games and it’s great to be on such a close knit team where there’s always laughing. I’m also going to miss track meets which are always super fun because we get to compete and see familiar faces from other schools”

What is your favorite memory of unified track at Algonquin?

“At the last practice of each season, we have a huge water fight with foam water guns, sponges and water balloons as a way to celebrate the season. That’s my favorite practice and memory because it’s always so fun and a great way to end for the year.”

Sofia Roumiantsev:

What are you most proud of from your time doing unified track at Algonquin?

“I am most proud of getting fifth place running the 100-meter dash in the state qualifiers. I am proud of all of my team members, and I wish them good luck in college.”

What is your favorite memory of unified track at Algonquin?

“My favorite memory of doing unified track is running the 100-meter dash because it is one of my best events.” 

Halle Zides:

What are you most proud of from your time doing unified track at Algonquin?

“I’m most proud of the fact that every person on this team learns from one another. Because of UT [unified track], I heavily value ways in which we can learn through the accomplishments and hard work of others. I also can’t help but emphasize how much pride I feel having been a part of an athletic team at Algonquin that preaches acceptance and unity over anything else. It was never about winning, but about putting others above yourself and truly leaning into the community to strengthen yourself and those around you.”

What will you miss most from doing unified track at Algonquin?

“I am going to miss the people. It sounds cliche, but it really was the people on this team who made it so special. It takes a certain type of person to join a team like UT [unified track], and that definitely showed. I learned some of my most valuable life lessons just by watching and competing alongside the individuals who did UT, whether they were on Algonquins team, or another school’s team.”

What is your favorite memory of unified track at Algonquin?

“It is so so hard to pinpoint one memory that stands out as my favorite from my time doing Unified Track. I think I’m gonna have to go with the time my buddy and longtime friend Sofia broke her PR on the long jump. The look on her face was so priceless and represented how this team challenges one to always try and improve, but ultimately have fun while doing so. The way the team celebrated her following that jump was also so special because it shows how much this community cares for its athletes. I think that my favorite memory being one that has to do with someone else’s achievements is very representative of the values of UT and the strong communal aspect.”

Lauren Sliva:

What are you most proud of from your time doing unified track at Algonquin?

“What I’m most proud of from my time at Unified Track is jumping my longest long jump Junior year. It was around 11 feet, it’s not that long but it was a PR (personal record) for me!”

What will you miss most from doing unified track at Algonquin?

“I will miss the team and the atmosphere of Unified Track the most. Everyone there is so kind, inclusive and welcoming. It is genuinely a great place to be. I feel like I can participate in any activity without being judged, and everyone is so supportive of one another.”

What is your favorite memory of unified track at Algonquin?

“I think some of my favorite memories of Unified Track were the moments that my teammates and I stood by the sidelines, either in practice or during a meet, and we all just talked and bonded as a team and supported our other teammates who were practicing or competing.”

Unified track senior athletes the Harbinger was unable to contact:

Kaleigh Barker

Jenna Levenson

Samuel Morse

Jaquelin CiFuentes

William Iverson

Sam Robert

Jill Trudo