Women's Track & Field Season Preview (2025)

Women's Track and Field 1/17/2025 10:15:00 AM

Women’s Track & Field - 2025 Preview

Palatine, IL: The Harper Hawks women's track and field program enters the 2025 season looking to defend their back-to-back national championships in what promises to be a challenging but exciting year. While the Hawks face significant roster turnover after their historic 2024 campaign, they remain a formidable force with a mix of talented returners and promising newcomers.

A Legacy of Excellence
The 2024 Hawks achieved unprecedented success, setting six individual indoor school records, an indoor relay record, and three individual outdoor records. The team's dominance culminated in their second consecutive national title, a feat driven by a roster of 22 athletes—the largest in school history. However, the program now turns the page after losing several standout athletes to graduation and transfers, including record-setter Lilly Alberts, who now competes at Grand Valley State University.
Despite the departures, the Hawks maintain their competitive spirit under the leadership of head coach Jim Macnider, now entering his sixth season. With a supportive and experienced coaching staff—including former head coach Renee Zellner in her remarkable 43rd year, John Majerus in his sixth, Tyler Block and Dianne Barajas in their fourth, and Joseph McCormick in his first—the program is well-equipped to guide the next generation of athletes. Macnider heads the distance team as Zellner works with throwers, hurdlers, jumpers, and sprinters. Majerus enters his sixth season and works with the sprinters and pole vaulters. Block and Barajas enter their fourth seasons as Block works with jumpers and sprinters while Barajas works with the distance team.

Key Returners: The Foundation of 2025
The Hawks will field a smaller roster of 14 athletes this season but retain a strong core of contributors. Notable returning sophomores include:

Delaney Gale: A versatile hurdler aiming to make a mark in the 100m and 400m hurdles after being sidelined by injury in 2024.
Kasey Ledinsky: A multi-talented athlete who could excel in events ranging from the steeplechase to the throws.
Zoe Pavlu: A sprinter poised to build on her impressive improvement from her freshman year.
Natalia Pocica: A dual-threat in sprints and triple jump, fresh off an All-American cross country season.
Lucia Sanchez Scriven: A dynamic competitor across multiple jumping events, hurdles, and pole vault.
Perla Vargas: A key figure in the sprints, bringing consistency and speed.
Rose Wagner and Samantha Walton: Returning throwers ready to anchor the team in field events after Walton's recovery from injury.

New Faces to Watch
The Hawks welcome a talented group of newcomers who bring energy and potential:

Lina Barsketis and Roza Puchalski: Distance runners eager to translate their cross-country success into track achievements.
Caitlin Basco, Mia Foy, and Mia Wikar: Palatine High School alumni ready to contribute in sprints, relays, and field events.
Hannah Schulz: A promising addition to the throws team.

The blend of returning athletes and newcomers ensures the Hawks will remain competitive, even with a smaller roster.

Challenges and Opportunities
Region rivals DuPage and Joliet, who finished 2nd and 6th respectively in 2024, will push the Hawks throughout the season. Additionally, regular matchups against strong four-year programs like North Central and Olivet Nazarene will help push the team's development. Replacing the contributions of departed athletes will not be easy, but the coaching staff is optimistic about the growth and development of the current roster. The Hawks' ability to maintain their championship pedigree will depend on the emergence of new leaders and the collective efforts of the entire team.

Looking Ahead
While the road to a third straight national title is steep, the Harper Hawks are no strangers to overcoming challenges. With a history of excellence, a committed coaching staff, and a determined group of athletes, the 2025 season holds great promise. Expect the Hawks to rise to the occasion and continue making their mark in both regional and national competition.

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Players Mentioned

Lilly Alberts: Mid Dist.; Sophomore

Mia Foy: Freshman; 100m, 200m

Delaney Gale: Sophomore; 100mH, 400mH

Zoe Pavlu: Sophomore; 100m, 200m

Natalia Pocica: Sophomore; 200m, 400m, TJ

Lucia Sanchez Scriven: Sophomore; 100mH, 400mH, PV, LJ, TJ

Perla Vargas: Sophomore; 100m, 200m, 400m

Rose Wagner: Sophomore; Throws

Roza Puchalski: Freshman; 5k, 10k

Caitlin Basco: Freshman; 100m, 200m

Mia Wikar: Freshman; Multi

Hannah Schulz: Freshman; Throws

Players Mentioned

Lilly Alberts
: Sophomore
: Mid Dist.

Mia Foy
: Freshman; 100m, 200m

Delaney Gale
: Sophomore; 100mH, 400mH

Zoe Pavlu
: Sophomore; 100m, 200m

Natalia Pocica
: Sophomore; 200m, 400m, TJ

Lucia Sanchez Scriven
: Sophomore; 100mH, 400mH, PV, LJ, TJ

Perla Vargas
: Sophomore; 100m, 200m, 400m

Rose Wagner
: Sophomore; Throws

Roza Puchalski
: Freshman; 5k, 10k

Caitlin Basco
: Freshman; 100m, 200m

Mia Wikar
: Freshman; Multi

Hannah Schulz
: Freshman; Throws