As the season comes to a close, the senior girls on the Burke track and field team are getting ready for their final meets and their last moments as a team.

For many of them, track has been more than just a sport. It has been a place to grow, push themselves, and build strong friendships over the years.

“Definitely just the group of people and the coaches,” Bassett said. “They’re all really fun to be around… It’s a nice little community.”

That sense of community is something that has defined the senior class’s experience. From long practices to meets after school, the team has become a close group that supports each other through everything.

The seniors have also stepped into leadership roles, helping guide younger athletes and set the tone for the team.

“I try to lead by example by finishing the workouts,” Bassett said, “Even though it’s hard, if you get through it, there are rewards at the end.”

Like any sport, the season has not always been easy. Injuries, tough workouts, and pressure during big meets have all been part of the experience, but those challenges are also what have helped shape the athletes.

Bassett shared that she dealt with a major setback during her sophomore year when she had severe shin splints right before state.

“It was really stressful, but it taught me resilience and that it’s all going to work out how it should,” Bassett said.

Moments like that reflect what many seniors say track has taught them: how to stay disciplined and push through even when things get difficult.

“Some days the workouts are so hard that I don’t want to do them, but if you push through, you feel really good about yourself,” Bassett said.