By Sophia Lin-David

Senior Claire Ackerman is a three-sport athlete. After joining Winsor freshman year, she found joy in the cross country, track and field, and most recently swim teams. Thank you to Claire for sitting down with “The Banner” and answering questions about her Winsor athletic career!

When did you first start running XC/TF?

I had not run on a team prior to coming to Winsor, but I started track in the spring of my freshman year. I played Winsor Soccer in Class V and VI, but was eventually swayed to run cross country in the fall for my junior and senior year.

What went into your decision to join the swim team as a senior?

I dealt with a year-long tibial stress injury that interrupted my running training, [so] in April 2021 I decided to take the plunge into swimming as a form of cross training. I swam on my own at the Quincy YMCA from that spring through this past fall and came to love swim workouts! Initially, swim workouts were a great opportunity to stay in shape despite my limited ability to run. However, when the chance to join WVSwim  presented itself, I decided it would be a great way to continue pushing myself and benefit from the team aspect of the sport.

What is your favorite season to compete in and why?

In cross country, I adore being able to run on the trails and at the Arnold Arboretum. However, I would have to say that I prefer competing in track meets, because there is more opportunity to choose an event that works best for you!

What’s your go-to pre-meet snack & pump up song?

I love Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter granola for a pre-race snack! I definitely go through phases for pump up songs, but this past fall, WVXC had a pre-race ritual of [listening to] “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. 

What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming WVTF season?

I am certainly looking forward to finally starting the season injury-free, but I am also so excited to watch newer teammates learn to love running.

The Winsor Varsity Track & Field season begins on March 7. “The Banner” wishes Claire the best as she finishes up her swim season and co-captains WVTF, a team that hopes to win their sixth consecutive EIL Championship title.

The responses in this interview have been edited for brevity and clarity.