Girls’ Cross Country at High School of American Studies

Adalyn Mulcahy & Eliana Psachie, Grade 9, Staff Writers

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The Girls’ Cross Country team at HSAS this year has been successful when it comes to both competitions and personal team bonding. Common Sense Sports takes a look at the Autumn 2025 season.

    After winning third place in the Varsity Borough Championships on October 25th, the team went on to place 12th in the city for the Frosh/Soph City Championships the very next weekend. 

    Head Coach, Mr. Iurato, says he has enjoyed this season with the girls and is excited for what’s ahead. 

    “I think we have a very bright future,” says Coach Iurato. “I’m excited about the athletic ability and energy the girls bring to the team.” 

    When asked why he chose to become a coach here at American Studies, Iurato joked that he is “still asking [himself] that question,” but it is clear he loves what he does. He encourages the team to do their best and helps the girls succeed time and time again. 

    With the Junior Varsity/Varsity City Championships on November 8th, the team had one last race to look forward to.

    A couple of frosh runners have already run their first 5K in the back hills of Van Cortlandt Park, while others experienced it for the first time at JV/Varsity City Championships. 

    “In all honesty, the 5K was a little torturous, but not as bad as I expected,” said Veronica Antonio(‘29), a freshman on the team. 

    Despite the challenges the course presents to runners, both Veronica and fellow freshman Melanie Gamarra(‘29) agree they cannot wait to continue racing in the future. 

    “I really enjoy cross country; running with the team just makes my day better,” says Melanie.

   Along with numerous health benefits, cross country appears to provide runners with a strong, supportive atmosphere. 

    “The community is really nice–you get to make a lot of new friends,” says En-Jia Wu(‘27), a junior.

    Fellow teammate Adriana Gambol(‘28) encourages freshmen to “start slow and then work your way up,” and Nadia Solomon(‘28) adds, “Everyone has their own style of running. Once I figured mine out, I got faster.”

    As the season closed, the seniors who have so strongly contributed to the team will be heavily missed. 

    Team Captain Hana Qaiser(‘26) has shared some advice that she would like to give to the younger runners on the team: “I know it’s hard not to, but try your best not to compare yourself to others… if you know you’re putting 100% into your running, then you should be proud of yourself.”

   When asked if they plan to continue the sport in college, Evalina Lock and Avery Sammarco explain, “Not a cross country team but a running club, for sure–it’s a great way to bond with the girls.”