The Dagrosa Twins Friendly Competition Leads Back To Austin

This will not be the first time at the State meet for either sister and it is something that brings comfort to them. "It was pretty overwhelming the first time we went to State," said Mackenzie. "To be experienced running on the University of Texas track is a good feeling because we are able to better navigate what the track feels like and how to manage our time."

Isabella Dagrosa hurdles at the 2023 Dripping Springs Inv.

Photo Credit: Ben Wright/MileSplit TX

Mackenzie is making her third trip to Austin while it will be Isabella's second time competing at the State meet. Mackenzie went with the 4x200m relay team as a freshman and then she finished in fourth place in the high jump last year. This year, she has qualified in both the high jump and 400m along with the 1600m relay. Isabella raced in the 100mH in 2022 and is back this year in both hurdle events and is favored to medal in the 300mH.

While both sisters have made it to the State meet, they have gone about it in different ways. Mackenzie has had to take things slow due to an injury she suffered during the indoor season. However, she feels that the injury has improved her perseverance and allowed her to stay more relaxed and focused. "Dealing with my injury was difficult to come back from, especially mentally," she said. "It forced me to reevaluate my goals and really work to build strength and find my technique again."

Isabella Dagrosa competes in the 300 meter hurdles at the 2022 Region 4-6A Championships

Photo Credit: Jamison Michaels/MileSplit TX

Despite missing a month due to the injury, Mackenzie feels that she is back to where she was before physically and that she is much stronger mentally. She has jumped against many of the girls in the high jump previously and is confident that she is ready for a great competition. In the 400m, her goal is to get on the medal stand. As the season has progressed, she has been dropping her time in the event and ran a season best of 55.44 at the Regional meet and she has been running 54-second relay splits.

While Mackenzie dealt with an early season injury, Isabella has been blasting past the competition all season long. She has only lost one 300mH race this season and that came at the Texas Relays and she has been nearly perfect in the 100mH as well. She also had an outstanding long jump season and missed qualifying for State by a scant half inch.

Despite not always being pushed in her races, Isabella feels like she has learned a lot this year. "It has brought a lot of great opportunities for me to blossom into the runner and jumper I am today," said the junior. "Every competitor has pushed me to achieve what I have accomplished this year and I am very fortunate to have competed alongside these talented athletes."

McKenzie Dagrosa competes in the high jump at the 2021 Texas A&M Indoor High School Classic

Photo Credit: Jamison Michaels/MileSplit TX

Isabella says the 300mH is her strongest event because she considers herself more of a speed-endurance runner rather than just a straight sprinter. She has acquired skills from both speed and distance events in her career that has helped her navigate the difficult 300mH race. She is determined to set personal bests on Saturday and has a goal to medal in all of her events. She is focused on staying positive and having a relaxed mindset, but thinks her mental strength is her best attribute. "In track, a lot of your performance depends on your mental strength and how far you are willing to push yourself," said Isabella. "Fortunately, a strength of mine is my ability to push myself to the limit necessary to win."

Whatever happens, the Dagrosa sisters have already had an outstanding season leading Reagan to their fifth consecutive Region 4-6A title. Despite the quality of competition, it will not be surprising to see both sisters on the medal stand on Saturday making it a wonderful way to cap off a great season. They would both admit to a little sibling rivalry and they each think that the competition between themselves helps fuel them to reach their goals.