On Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, Hatboro-Horsham seniors Gabby Buber & Emily Simko were recognized for committing to continue their track & field careers at the collegiate level.
Gabby Buber – Lafayette College (Track & Field)
Major: Chemical Engineering
Final list of colleges: Lafayette, Worcester Polytech Institute, Washington & Lee, Lehigh
Reasons for choosing Lafayette: “After talking to all the other coaches, it just felt like they provided me with the most opportunities. The team was really like a family, they’re very supportive, and I could really envision myself being there the next four years.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “I started track in seventh grade doing CYO. That was the first year I ever did track, but I was also doing travel softball at the same time. I was more invested in softball, so I put my focus towards that. Freshman year I came out to the track team, and then COVID hit, so we didn’t get a season. Sophomore year I suffered a lot of health complications, so I wasn’t allowed to run during that time, and then junior year is when I really got the opportunity to run.
“I joined the cross country team after my tennis season was over. This year was the first year I ever did distance. I’m more of a sprinter. I definitely wouldn’t have imagined myself going to college for track. A few years ago, I was more focused on softball and all of that. It wasn’t even in any part of my mind. Last year, when I went to the Penn Relays, I was talking with coach, and she said it was definitely a possibility and that I run in college. I would love to do that, so I saw the opportunity, and I did it.”
Coach Anna Snow says: “Gabby joined us last year in the spring of her junior year and within one year was our most improved athlete. She was a very valuable varsity runner. She did it her freshman year, but that was cut short because of COVID. This year she played tennis and then joined the cross country team, and by the end of the season, she was our fourth varsity girl, so she’s a very natural-born, talented athlete who works extremely hard. If she had another two years of high school, there’d be no doubt that I think she’d be at the top of any athlete that’s come through our school. That’s what’s exciting about her college career - I think Lafayette saw the potential. She’s just going to excel at the collegiate level, and I can’t wait to see that.”
About Gabby:
Favorite food: Popcorn
Favorite TV show: American Horror Story
Favorite music: Rap
Emily Simko – Monmouth University (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Major: Elementary Education
Final list of colleges: Monmouth, Delaware, Rider
Reasons for choosing Monmouth: “The coaches were super nice and supportive, and when I went on the official visit there, the team was really welcoming. I also really liked the location of it as well.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in cross country and track & field at the collegiate level? “The end of sophomore year, I really started looking at colleges, and I was thinking – I’m not really sure if I’m running in college or not. I was looking at schools that had teams, but after my junior cross country season when I did really well and medaled at states, I thought – I could really run in college.”
Coach Anna Snow says: “Emily is a four-year, three-season varsity athlete. She ran cross country all four years, indoor track and outdoor track. She is the third fastest cross country runner we’ve had come through the program since 1982. She finished 12th this year in our state cross country meet. She’s extremely talented. I’m so excited. She’s someone who has truly worked hard and deserves every accomplishment she has. She has worked through shin splints, through stress fractures, through hip pain this season, and she had the highest placement in the state meet this year of any year. I can’t wait to see her in spring track.”
About Emily:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: The Notebook
Favorite artist: Steve Lacy
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