On Tuesday, May 20, 2014, Central Bucks East seniors Laura Jackson and Kristina Valko were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to compete in track and field at their respective colleges. To view photos of the signing, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Cardinal Camera sponsors all SOL college signings on SuburbanOneSports.com. For additional information about purchasing a commemorative keepsake of the signing, please click on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/forms/college-signings.
“It’s exciting to see these girls progress,” coach Sam Losorelli said. “They started when they were in ninth grade. To see how much they accomplished from then to now – especially this year since we won the league championship. These two young ladies with their leadership and their talent were an integral part of the team and why we did as well as we did this year.
“They really embrace the team concept. For as good as they are – they have no egos whatsoever. It was all about the team, all about their teammates, and I think that’s what led to the success that we had this year. I can’t say enough great things about them. Last week we had districts, and they both got medals. Coach Valko was very, very instrumental with the throwers, especially these two girls and how far they progressed.”
“It’s about the girls,” coach Pete Valko said. “It’s about the talent they bring to the team. Just being able to pay attention to them and give them a facility and ability to show what they’re made of – both of these girls were in every sense of the word leaders for this team. I couldn’t be more proud of all of them. We just have a great team put together.”
Laura Jackson – University of New Hampshire (Track & Field)
Major: Undecided in the College in Engineering and Sciences
Final list of colleges: New Hampshire, Towson, Ithaca, Millersville
Reasons for choosing New Hampshire: “My family used to have a lake house at Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire. I grew up in the area, and I really liked the area. When I visited the campus, I was in love with the campus, and when I stayed for an official visit, I roomed with a girl I grew up with at the lake. It was really nice to have that connection. She was nice, and everyone on the team was really nice. Those connections really made it the right choice for me to pick the University of New Hampshire.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “Originally, I played field hockey. I was like, ‘I want to play field hockey in college.’ My junior year I picked up the discus, and I was like, ‘Wow, I’m really good at this.’ It’s something that requires time, but it doesn’t require time away from school. I decided this is what I should be doing, and throwing in college would be a better option for me.”
Coach Pete Valko said: “Laura is what we call a beast. She’s the beast of the team. She will run through a wall. In leagues, she threw her sixth place javelin throw and threw her elbow out at that point. She was in the finals, and her last five throws – one of them she threw left handed just to make a mark.”
About Laura:
Favorite food: Italian Food
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite music: Alternative
Kristina Valko – University of Delaware (Track & Field)
Major: Engineering
Final list of colleges: Delaware, Lafayette, Virginia Tech, Elizabethtown
Reasons for choosing Delaware: “Every time I go back there – it’s prettier every time. I really like all the people there, and they have an engineering program that I think will help me benefit and get the greatest education.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “I played field hockey also. I was thinking I definitely wanted to do a sport in college, and I knew field hockey might have been a little bit more challenging. This year I came in and I was doing really well in track, and it was at the end of last track season and the beginning of this one when I was like – I definitely want to do track in college.
“I touched based with the school. I filled out the questionnaires online. They sent me a letter and said if I wanted to visit the school, they would talk to me and give me the option to be on the team.”
Coach Pete Valko said: “Kristina is just so even keeled. She’s just laser focused on what she wants to do and where she wants to be. She’s one of the most coachable girls because you can tell her what to do, and she’ll reflect it. She’ll do it instantly. Kristina and Laura are just such coachable girls. They’re so fun to watch. They both just find a way to guide their team. They’re leaders, they’re natural leaders.”
About Kristina:
Favorite food: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks
Favorite movie: Pitch Perfect
Favorite music: Neon Trees
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