May Athlete of the Month: Eliana Kotsonis

Photograph by Roberta Pratt.

Riley Veenendaal

Congratulations to May’s Female Athlete of the Month, Eliana Kotsonis! Kotsonis is a current senior here at Hamilton and a member of the Girls’ Varsity Track team. She competes in the triple jump, the 400 and 200 meter dash, and relays. Eliana has had an amazing senior season! Most recently she qualified for State in the 4x200, 4x400, and triple jump!

Teammate Aviya Mitchell speaks highly of Kotsonis stating, “In my four years of running track and field I have had three different coaches, three classes of seniors leave, and three classes of underclassmen join the team. However, throughout all this chaos, there has been one constant: Eliana Kotsonis. She is the most hard working, driven, and committed athlete and leader on the team. Eli is also the most kind, caring, and empathetic person I know. She is the best combination of all that's good in the world and I am so grateful to have had her by my side for our 4 years of track together."

How long have you ran track, and why do you run?

I have run track since 8th grade and I run because I like spending time with my teammates and seeing improvement.

Who is your athlete role model, and why?

My track athlete role model is Sydney McLaughlin because she is humble and insanely good.

What is your main goal this season?

My main goal this season is to make it to State. 

What are your future plans involving running?

I will be running track at Hope College. 

Do you play any other sports and if so what?

I play basketball and I ran cross country for two years. 

Do you have any teammates, coaches, parents, or other people in your life that have helped you as an athlete?

My mom has helped me most as an athlete because she is always there for me and giving advice.

Besides track, what are some of your other hobbies?

My other hobbies include other sports like basketball, hanging out with friends, and just being outside.

What are your pre-meet rituals?

I don't really have any pre-meet rituals, but I like to talk to my friends on the bus to meets rather than listening to music because it helps my nerves.