Hayleigh Palotti '18 Recruiting Profile

I began my running career in seventh grade. I was approached by the Varsity coach at the middle of the season asking if I would consider Varsity for the next year. I ran Varsity Outdoor Track in eighth grade and had a very successful season. That's when I knew I wanted to run collegiate track. 

I've been to states and New Balance Nationals for both indoor and outdoor track since 9th grade. This summer I ran at the USATF Junior Olympics in Sacramento California, and was a national champion in the 15-16 2k steeplechase and an USATF All-American in the 15-16 800m. This past season was my second year of cross county and I won the NYSPHSAA Class C Championship, finishing with a lead of 18 seconds to the second place competitor with 500m to go.

I have an incredibly high work ethic and consider myself very coachable. I work well with everyone and I'm a leader. I constantly am striving to make myself a better athlete while still encouraging my teammates to be the best they can be. I want to learn more, and I accept criticism and use that information to improve myself. I have great sportsmanship, and I respect my coaches and fellow athletes.

I put a lot of time into my studies and I care about them. I prepare for tests and stay organized. I aspire to run at the Division 1 level and have begun setting racing and academic goals to warrant this.