Girls Cross Country Captain Corinne Spade ’27 has built her leadership on positivity, working to create a team culture where every runner feels welcomed and supported. After spending her childhood playing hockey and lacrosse, Spade began running in her Lower year. What enticed her about running was its objectivity, where team sport results felt subjective.
As Captain, Spade has taken on a range of responsibilities, from leading warm-ups to helping guide underclassmen through their first races. Her main focus is shaping the team culture itself, working to ensure everyone, regardless of pace or experience, feels valued.
“I want to lead the team positively. I want everyone to be having fun; running a 5[-Kilometer race] isn’t easy, and I want the culture on the team, at least, to be happy and healthy and exciting so that people actually enjoy what they’re doing and the people who are surrounding them,” said Spade.
Spade leads not just through instruction but through example, modeling the habits and discipline she hopes to see in her fellow teammates. Hannah Jung ’28 described Spade’s growth from an athlete who played different sports to one of the team’s standout runners, as well as her commitment to leadership.
“Corinne, in the past two years I’ve known her, is first of all an amazing runner, especially since she originally started in a different fall sport and came over to Cross Country and has stuck with it. I’m really happy to have her as our Captain this year because she leads by example in her lifestyle choices and habits. They’re really healthy, and she’s a really good role model for new Cross Country runners,” said Jung.
Mari Uchino-Garcia ’29 highlighted Spade’s positive attitude and willingness to connect with teammates.
“[When I was] coming in as a [Junior] last year, she [had] a very positive energy on the team. She tried getting to know everybody, and Cross Country is a big team, but she still made everyone feel welcome last year, and returning now as a Captain, she’s done a good job with that too,” said Uchino-Garcia.
Claire Donovan ’29 described how Spade’s experience has made her a valuable resource for younger players, especially those adjusting to increased distances in practice. Specifically, Spade holds Captain’s practices on Saturdays.
“She also hosts Captain’s practice, practices on Saturdays for our long run, so we meet without the coaches. But also, more unofficially, she’s really helpful if you have questions about running or any of the competitions, obviously because she’s a Senior, so she’s been to all of them before, and she gives really good advice,” said Donovan.
Spade wants to build on her first two years of running and keep growing as a leader. She plans to pursue her running career collegiately.
