On Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, Wissahickon senior Anna Chiodo-Ortiz was recognized at a special news conference for committing to compete in track at Bucknell University.
Anna Chiodo-Ortiz – Bucknell University (Track)
Major: Undecided
Final list of schools: Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross
Reasons for choosing Bucknell: “When I went there, I felt really at home. All the girls were truly welcoming, and my older brother goes there so that’s also a nice feeling. I just loved the campus and everything about it.
“I wanted to run track at a good academic school, and I knew Bucknell was perfect for both, so that definitely influenced me a lot.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “Sophomore year I had a pretty good outdoor season, and I thought it was something I definitely wanted to continue until I graduate.”
Track coach Justin Hill says: “Anna runs the 400 and also runs in our 4x400 relay, but her primary event is the 800. Her biggest asset is her hard work. She’s willing to put in any sort work and do any sort of workout to achieve her goals. She’s extremely focused when it comes to track. She’s very positive, has a great smile, and she’s very determined.”
Track coach Heidi Butt says: “Anna is incredibly goal-oriented and over the past four years she has honed that skill to include qualitative goals as well as quantitative. She has learned that if you just focus on your time as a measure of your success, you are often setting yourself up for disappointment. It goes without saying that she is incredibly athletic and competitive, but she is also generous.
“I have never heard her look outward to ‘blame’ other factors for the outcome of a race or game. She instead credits her teammates for the team's success. During soccer games you can hear her leadership as she guides and encourages her teammates. In track, she is always cheering on her teammates in all 18 disciplines. She is able to yell FOR them not AT them, they hear her and it makes a difference. Anna is humble and kind and hilarious and focused. Anna is going to be sorely missed next year, but she is definitely ready for the transition to collegiate athletics.”
About Anna:
Favorite food: “My grandma’s spaghetti and meatballs”
Favorite movie: The Last Song
Favorite music: Taylor Swift
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