The talented freshman, Gianna Levato, recently placed first at the girls cross country conference, fourth at the girls cross country regionals, and qualified as an individual for the state meet.

“When I won conference I felt great!” Levato stated. “I felt that I really worked really hard that race and it was packed with tough competition. When I placed 4th at regionals I was pretty happy too, but I did feel a little bit of disappointment at the end of the race because I feel that I could have raced better.”

This sense of determination has helped carry Levato to numerous successes. The team was very proud of her as she rose to the challenge of these two tough meets and has earned her spot on the athletic wall of fame.

Levato’s recent qualifying time for the state meet is no surprise seeing as how speed runs in her family. Gianna Levato is the little sister of the legendary Naz cross country runner, Alyssa Levato, who was the regional champion during her high school career.

Levato may be a freshman but she demonstrates tremendous talent in cross country. She has been running competitively since fifth grade as well as playing basketball, and participating in Irish dancing. Levato has not yet decided whether or not she would like to play softball or run track in the spring, but whichever she chooses we can be sure that she will give it her all as she has this season in cross country.

While she has enjoyed a number of performance related successes this season, Levato stated that her favorite part of cross country is the team. “We have become so close over the season. We have become a family,” she stated.

Cross country is a demanding sport that requires strength. Levato has proved that she has just that–strength. Furthermore, even though she may be one of the youngest girls on the team, Levato is a motivation the rest of the cross country team members. The Nazareth community and Announcer staff wish her the best of luck at state!