Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Kate Concepcion
Grade: Senior • School: Carondelet High • Sports: Cross Country, Track
CONCORD, CA—Concepcion is probably like so many high school senior student athletes as their final year of high school has not unveiled itself as they imagined for sports or any other part of school life. “Training for the XC during these times has been strange. Luckily, we’ve been able to meet a few days a week for cohort runs and are all excited for the season to finally start in December. The delayed start allowed to get a lot more mileage under our belts and be that much better prepared for the season.”
The Cougar runners have Dec. 7 circled on their calendars as the day high school sports in California are supposed to return. She is also hoping all goes well and she can end her high school sports career in June on the Cougars track team where she competes in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meters. As a sophomore she made the EBAL league meet finals in the 800, which of course did not take place last spring for her junior year. In each of her first three years on cross country she posted a personal record time at the league meet.
Phenomenal leader
Her cross country coach Ashley Czyz, a Carondelet alumna, says, “Kate has stepped up into a phenomenal leader in these unprecedented times. As a second-year captain she has created opportunities for connection in ways many don’t think of. I’m proud of her and her ability to see the bigger picture —she’s someone every coach wants on their team.” Away from running, she is a member of the National Honor Society and a junior core member for St. Bonaventure Church teen conformation program.
The Pioneer congratulates Kate Concepcion and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry.
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.