Gillian Gandolfo, XC and Track & Field at Wagner
Name: Gillian Gandolfo
Sport: Cross Country and Track & Field
College: Wagner College in Staten Island, NY
Why did you choose this school?
When I first walked onto the campus, I immediately knew that I could see myself going there. Two great runners from Township’s program went on to compete and coach at Wagner, so I knew that I would be among great company. I loved everything that the school had to offer — from the team to the location to the school community, etc.
What are you most looking forward to about playing in college?
Being a college athlete has always been a goal ever since I was little, so I am excited to finally see this dream come true. I’m looking forward to joining a new team with all new people and forming relationships with one another that could last a lifetime. I’m also looking forward to competing at more prestigious and large-scale meets that I will have the opportunity to run at again but this time doing so as a collegiate athlete.
What will you miss most about playing at FTHS?
Leaving my coaches and teammates who I have grown so close to over the last four years is something that I am having difficulty with accepting. My coaches especially have given so much to me ever since my freshman year. I will miss every long bus ride to meets, every motivational classroom talk, and all the memories and friendships I’ve made while repping the Columbia blue.
If you had to pick ONE favorite memory of playing at FTHS, what would it be?
Qualifying for the Penn Relays 4×800 my junior year is my most memorable moment here at FTHS. I can still remember the day when my three other teammates and my coach came running up to me to tell me that we got in after thinking we had just missed the standard. Racing at Penn was the most surreal and exciting running moment I’ve ever experienced in high school.
Anything else you’d like the world to know?
The FTHS cross country and track programs have given so much to me and have helped shape me into the person that I am today, which is something that I will be forever grateful for.