By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer
Sarah Anderson (Photo/submitted)
School: Westborough High School
Class: 2014
Sport: Track
You specialize in shot put for the Westborough High Indoor Track Team. When did you first get into that particular event?
“I first got into shot put in seventh grade, when I was on the [Sarah W.] Gibbons Middle School track team. I continued shot put when I got to high school and have stuck with the event ever since then.”
Which person has particularly encouraged you to succeed?
“Kristin Collins has really helped me with shot put over the past few years, and has really pushed me to be the best I can be. I knew her from volleyball before she became my shot put coach, and I was so excited when she joined the track coaching staff. Another person who really helped me was former student and shot put athlete Naloti Palma. She was Westborough’s best shot put thrower before she graduated. Naloti acted as my mentor in shot put, and really impacted my career. I’ve always looked up to her.”
Which high school meet was the most special, and why?
“The meet that was most special happened this past season. It was the relay meet, which is a meet where the top three shot put throwers for each team go, and their best throws are added together. The team with the highest combined total score wins the meet, and that was us this year. Our team consisted of Tabitha Domeij, Liz Hastings, and myself. This was the most special meet because all three of us worked together, and threw our best to win. It’s a meet where teamwork is vital, and that is uncommon in track since it is such an individualized sport.”
Would you like to do track in college next year?
“I do not plan to do track in college. It’s a great sport, but I will probably play club volleyball, and really want to focus on my academics.”
Is volleyball your favorite sport to play/watch?
“Volleyball has been a significant part of my life for a while. We made it to the state finals for volleyball this past fall, with a team of 12 seniors. The team was like my family, and volleyball at WHS has really shaped me to be the person I am today. My favorite sport to watch on television is hockey, specifically the Boston Bruins.”
Who is your favorite player on the Bruins?
“My favorite player is Tuukka Rask. He started as the back-up goalie for Tim Thomas, who was one of the best goalies in the National Hockey League (NHL) when he was on the Bruins. Rask worked hard with Thomas as his mentor, and is now the starting goalie, and one of the best in the NHL. Rask also brought home a bronze medal in the Sochi Winter Olympics. I look up to Tuukka Rask because of his work ethic and his accomplishments.”
What is your favorite class in school, and why?
“My favorite class in school is journalism, because it is more independent than most classes at Westborough High School (WHS). You have the freedom to write about issues you think are prevalent. The class also allows you to experience broadcast journalism, which is a great learning process.”
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind at WHS?
“I hope to leave behind a legacy of great work ethic, and the qualities of respect and responsibility. Being a part of athletic teams at WHS has been a great experience, and I can only hope to leave behind a legacy that reflects all of the things high school has taught me.”