Eilyannis Monge of Derby High told VYPE in an interview “My favorite part of being on this team is the people I have met. The people make the sport more enjoyable and we push and support each other to do the best we can. I love being able to cheer them on and when I’m not feeling the best they always put a smile on my face.” Notable among them is the teammate who has “inspired” Monge the most.

“Brooke a sophomore cross country and wrestling athlete left a significant impression on me by running a 22-23 minute 5k on a broken ankle, even though she shouldn’t have done that it left a impression because it teaches me to be more resilient and not give up when feeling tired or lazy” said Monge.

During her time as a member of the cross country team Monge says “I’ve mad a lot of memories, my favorite is from last year’s cross country season. Despite my weak hip, I managed to finish a 5k in 22 minutes and then Coach carried me after my race, this is one of my favorites because it was fun when the coach carried me and even with a bad hip I managed to do a decent time and I now know that with a good hip I can do better.”

Monge has taken all she has learn from her teammates and her experiences and has set her goals for this school year which are “to try and get a job, go to the gym every morning in the mornings after cross country to get better and stronger, save money for my own things.”