Emma Hagstrom ’25 not only encourages her teammates but also leads by example with her strong dedication to the team. Through her commitment, she serves as a role model others on the team look up to and aspire to be like.
Hagstrom was introduced to the sport in middle school by her mother, who ran in college. Continuing the sport at Andover, the friendships she made and the challenges of track push her to become better.
“I think it’s a great group of people, and that’s what keeps me coming back. I also really like the mental challenge of running, especially distance running – it’s a very mentally taxing sport. So I think I just feel accomplished every day after a long run or workout. I guess I’d say the mental dedication keeps me going,” said Hagstrom.
Chloe Song ’26 spoke on Hagstrom’s caring and quiet nature. Although sports captains typically gain respect from their peers by being outspoken, Hagstrom has gained respect through leading by example.
“She cares a lot about the girls and even though she doesn’t always express it in a very outward way, because she’s an introvert, honestly, I think a lot of times there aren’t a lot of elected introverted captains. Most of the time it’s expected you’re outgoing. You put yourself out there, but Emma isn’t like that. She still has [a lot of] respect from her peers, especially the distance team. You put in the work and Emma does that. That’s the quality. I think I look up to her most and I’m sure our teammates feel the same,” said Song.
Amelie Alvazzi ’26 added to Song’s point by noting how Hagstrom enhances team culture by guiding all new runners and encouraging them to pursue all their goals. Furthermore, although Hagstrom is often quiet, she creates a vibrant team environment by always being supportive.
“I think Emma’s always about including all the girls and making sure they feel welcome, and I think just boosting everyone up. So like, I remember both in cross country and track, she’s always hyping everyone, cheering them on. She would give us a pep talk before. And I think in practice, she always says hi to everyone and talks to people, and then in meets she’s always cheering people on and stuff and hyping them up,” said Alvazzi.
Song reiterated how Hagstrom serves as an excellent role model for other runners. By being consistent and disciplined in her work ethic and schedule, Hagstrom’s qualities permeate the rest of the team.
“I think she’s very consistent as someone who leads warm-ups and getting people into a routine is something she’s good at because she also is really strict on herself and follows a routine. Her bedtime is around nine, she gets good hours of sleep every single day. She’s the perfect role model for how much sleep you should be getting as a student-athlete. I think once people realize that Emma is a leader who leads by example, she’s what you want to be. I think people try to be more like her,” said Song.
As Hagstrom has run track for eight years, she believes perseverance and dedication is her biggest strength. Although running is both physically and mentally demanding, Hagstrom tries to stay diligent as a way to encourage others.
“Sometimes it’s hard because track is a hard sport. You have to show up every day and sometimes there’s a workout or just a long run that you really don’t want to do, or sometimes you just really don’t want to be there, and that’s hard to say, but it’s a truth. Not everyone is 100 percent every day. I try to bring 100 percent of what I have every day to practice, especially now that I’m a captain,” said Hagstrom.
Hagstrom plans to continue track in college.
