College Commits: Eliana Kotsonis

Photos Submitted by Kotsonis.

Izzy Pack

Eliana Kotsonis, currently a senior at Hamilton, has been running track for 5 years. She competes in the triple jump, the 400 and 200 meter dash, and relays. She recently committed to running college track at Hope College. 

Kotsonis’ teammate, senior Mckenzie Mamayek, says about her, “Eliana is the kind of teammate that is always encouraging you to do better and push yourself. She brings so much fun and positive energy to practice and meets, and has made a big impact on our team since freshman year. I'm so excited to see what she can do in college!”

One of her current high school coaches, Coach Nysse, adds: “Eliana is the ultimate leader. She commits fully to every rep of every practice and does it with a smile. There is no quit in Eli. She will be greatly missed. I know she will be successful in her future because it is the only option she allows for herself.”

Read more to hear from Kotsonis!

How long have you been running?

I started in 8th grade at TMS.

What is your favorite memory from track?

The whole State experience with the team.

What do you think is your favorite/best track goal you've accomplished? 

Finally qualifying for State junior year in the 4x400.

What will you miss most about running for Hamilton?

Hanging out with my teammates and meet days.

How has track impacted your life?

Track has helped me get connected and meet so many people, while also opening the door for me beyond high school to find my college.

What is one lesson you've learned from track? 

Track has taught me how to handle my nerves and be responsible for myself while balancing multiple events at the same time.

What was the recruitment process like for you?

I was never planning on running in college, but after coincidentally visiting Hope and loving it, I reached out to the coaches and met the team and it just happened.

What is one thing that a coach has told you that you will carry into running in college? 

On the last stretch of the 400 I always hear Nysse yelling “Finish!” which I will remind myself of in college as well.

What advice do you have for younger runners? 

What you put in day after day at practice will pay off and sets you up for success, especially on the hard days.

What are you most excited about next year running for Hope?

I’m most excited to be on a team first of all, but also to have specialized training in my events and see myself improve even more.

Is there anyone you’d like to give a positive shoutout to who has been instrumental in your journey?

Coach Nysse has been there with me since I started track freshman year and has always been so positive regardless of my performance every meet.