Abbey Leonardi
Fr., Kennebunk H.S.
Kennebunk, ME
Highlights: Undefeated this season, Leonardi (Dave Flewelling photo) won the New England XC Championship in 18:12 and posted a personal best 18:02 en route to winning the Maine XC Champs … Other major victories include the Maine Festival of Champions (18:43) and Western Maine Class A Regional (18:18)
Coach (Mike Dinehart) says: “Abbey had a great season and what she did as a freshman runner is amazing. I coached her in middle school track and I knew she'd do well this season, but she surpassed what I thought was possible. Abbey has a lot of talent, but to reach the level she did takes a lot of hard work. Abbey worked hard, raced hard, and has the New England Cross Country Girls Championship in her freshman year to show. Everyone is very proud of her. It was great to watch her season unfold like it did.”
Leonardi says: “I just wanted to do my best. I didn’t know that I would be that good. I had more competition this year. The middle school meets were pretty low keyed. I used to play soccer, but in sixth grade they didn’t have soccer for sixth graders so I started running to stay in shape. It worked out I guess. I really like it. I have a few more goals. I still want to do well at Foot Locker. I want to go under 18 minutes.”
Summer mileage (max): 25
Weekly mileage: 25-30
Training shoes: Nike Air Structure Triax
Superstitions: Always wears the same socks and rubs her legs with her lucky rocks before each race
Hobbies: Skiing
Favorite athlete: Kara Goucher