By Kim Bretta
Avery Mansfield grew up in New Milford, Connecticut with her sister
and two step-siblings. They moved to Westborough when she was in
eighth grade. She loved to dance and play in the school orchestra,
but did not start running until her freshman year of high school.
Avery decided to start running after her father told her to participate
track, but she had also been told that she “had really long
legs.” She also mentioned winning every race against the kids in
her neighborhood when she was younger, and decided joining the
Westborough Girls’ Indoor Track Team would be a good idea.
Four years later, Mansfield finds herself as one of the five
captains of the team. She describes the position as being really
fun, because she loves working with the group of girls and helping
out with anything they need, but she knows the position comes with a
lot of work. “Oh, and I love being in charge,” comments Mansfield.
Currently, Mansfield runs the 300m and is in the 4x200m relay. She
recently PRed (personal record) in the 300m with a time of 49.17 seconds, but hopes she
can break 48 seconds before the end of the season. She realizes how
far she has come along since her freshman year, and how much she can
achieve, which helps to motivate herself.
Mansfield also knows that motivating others
is just as important. She loves to give pep talks, and says, “You
got this!” to the team as many times as she can, to try to pump
them up. She also loves to cheer for the team, and is sure that they
love it too.
As she reflects back on her high school years, her most memorable
moment would be running at the Outdoor League Meet last year.
It was raining, but she was able to PR, and qualify for the District
Meet. Mansfield was also a part of the 4x100m relay that won, so she
became one of the League All-Stars.
Mansfield left the interview saying, “I have a lot of faith in our
team. There are a lot of talented girls. Although there are a lot
of injured girls right now, I know we will pull through like the
champions we are.”
