On Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, Central Bucks East seniors Ella Derstine, Carolena Bellini & Kylie Emmens were recognized for committing to continue their track & field careers at the collegiate level.
“A lot of personality from all three,” East coach George Martin said. “The work ethic from the three of them was tremendous. If you look at the progression through their high school years, it’s just been a tremendous feat from the work they put in. They have learned, and then going from mentee to mentor has been a tremendous asset to the team.”
Carolena Bellini – University of Vermont (Track & Field)
Major: Political Science
Final list of colleges: Vermont, Holy Cross, Fordham, Lehigh
Reasons for choosing Vermont: “Vermont was just a very unique atmosphere when I went up and visited. Obviously, money had to do with it too, but the biggest thing is Burlington is a really neat city and you also get the outdoorsy experience as well, and I don’t think I was able to get that anywhere else. I met some of the team, and they were a really close-knit, tight family.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track & field at the collegiate level? “I actually didn’t start thinking about running track in college until January of last year. I got a major PR, and that’s when I realized I was able to run in college, so that’s when I decided to do it.”
Coach Ali Gillen says: “I coached Carolena in long jump. She came to jumping a little late in her career, but she really took to it very quickly. It really plays on all of her strengths as an explosive speed athlete on the track. She’s really committed to being the best athlete she can be when it comes to jumping. She has a lot of potential to not only jump but also to compete in multi events at the University of Vermont, and I’m very excited and proud to see her continue her career.”
About Carolena:
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite TV show: That 70s Show
Favorite music: Indie
Ella Derstine – Bucknell University (Track & Field)
Major: Markets, Innovation & Design
Final list of colleges: Bucknell, Villanova, Lehigh, St. Joseph’s
Reasons for choosing Bucknell: “I really liked the campus, the environment and the team atmosphere. When I got to talk to the girls, I could tell they were all really close and tight-knit, which I really liked. Obviously, it’s also a really good education.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “Towards the end of 10th grade, I got more serious about it, and I realized I wanted to run in college. I think (not having spring track) made it a lot harder with the recruiting process for the colleges because they had to go off of sophomore times, which was hard for them. Then we didn’t get a chance to run in the big meets and improve our times. Also, we weren’t allowed to meet the coaches in person or stay over at the schools.”
Coach Ali Gillen says: “Ella Derstine is someone who came out and was one of the best sprinters as a freshman, and as she transitioned into learning hurdles, it became apparent that it was just the right fit for her. She’s very tough, she doesn’t like to lose. She’s also someone who I think at first didn’t realize she could be as good as she is. Her freshman year she struggled when she got to come of the higher level meets, and by the time her sophomore year came around, she was really ready to compete with the best and was ready to be the best in the league, the district and the state. Her placing 10th in the state in the 300-meter hurdles her sophomore year helped to prove that. I’m very proud of her that she is continuing on at Bucknell, and I know she has so much potential in both the long sprints and the 400-meter hurdles. I’m very much looking forward to following how she does.”
About Ella:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite TV show: Friends
Favorite artist: Cody
Kylie Emmens – Rider University (Track & Field)
Major: Psychology
Final list of colleges: Rider, Millersville, Bryant
Reasons for choosing Rider: “The track team because of the atmosphere – they’re really close.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “I started thinking about college when I got my first PR last winter, and it just kept going down and down, and I realized I could actually go somewhere with it.”
Coach Ali Gillen says: “Kylie Emmens is someone who really just improved by leaps and bounds her junior year. She really came into her own and realized she could be among the best in the state. Since then, she’s been practicing and competing like she is one of the best and can compete in college and that she can succeed in whatever she tries.”
About Kylie:
Favorite food: Chocolate
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite music: 70s music
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