For senior Leah Zainc this year isn’t just about the clock—it’s about the legacy she leaves behind.  Zainc has entered the season with a focus that goes beyond simple speed.

“Track has taught me not to do something just because it is hard,” said Zainc. “I apply this with my rigorous course load or with little things in everyday life. I will never not do something because it is too hard; it’s a lame excuse in my book.”

As an All Naugatuck Valley League athlete and All State athlete in past seasons, Zainc focus on her events has brought her great success. 

“My proudest moment as an athlete was winning my first state medal. I went from a freshman who wasn’t really winning much to a sophomore who was competing at the state level,” stated Zainc. “It was such a big jump for me in my running career, and this was the first time I debated running in college.” 

From the start of the meet to the end, Zainc’s key to success is to stay focused. 

“I love listening to anything by Don Toliver or Bad Bunny before a race. The beats of their songs really get me hyped up,” stated Zainc. “Listening to music helps me visualize my race and helps me zone in on what I need to do for that race to go after a certain time or place.”

As a captain, Zainc strives for the team to have a family dynamic, no matter what discipline each athlete participates in. 

“I want my team to have a successful and fulfilling season,” said Zainc.  “That doesn’t mean winning every meet we attend, it just means that I want us all to have fun and put our best foot forward at every meet, and represent Woodland with pride.”

Zainc also believes in team bonding as an essential part of team camaraderie. 

“My favorite team tradition is definitely the pasta parties or just simply going out after meets,” said Zainc. “I think it’s a great team bonding event, and by going out with the team, it truly strengthens us as a whole.” 

With the postseason fast approaching, Leah Zainc is doing more than just running her final laps in high school; she is sprinting toward a new start at the collegiate level, running Division III at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts.