The Marist women’s outdoor track and field team kicked off its 2026 season at the Fred Hardy Invitational in Richmond, Virginia. Despite challenging windy conditions, the team had an impressive debut, featuring six top-10 finishes and a record-setting performance.
Sophomore Gabrielle Bozeth made headlines in her outdoor debut. After finishing fifth in the 100-meter dash, she dominated the 200-meter dash, finishing first with a time of 24.88 seconds. This performance not only earned her the top spot but also broke the previous Marist school record of 25.45 seconds set by Julia Kropo in 2025.
Julianna Mirabile also had a standout moment, claiming second place in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:03.83, demonstrating her talent and speed.
In the field events, Alexandra Samperi shone brightly. She took second place in the long jump, reaching a distance of 5.64 meters (about 18 feet, 6 inches).
Julia Kropo, known for her speed, competed in the 400-meter dash, placing sixth with a time just shy of her personal best. Parker O’Brien made a mark in the distance events, finishing eighth in the 1,500-meter run.
Overall, the Red Foxes showed their strength across various events, gaining valuable experience early in the season.
As the outdoor track season progresses, insights from experts suggest that consistency is key for athletes at this level. “Early season performances often set the tone for the entire season,” says Coach Amanda Smith, a seasoned mentor in track and field.
Moreover, recent data indicates that athletes competing in varied weather conditions can enhance their resilience. A study shows that athletes who train in less-than-ideal circumstances often perform better when conditions improve, making this inaugural event a solid experience for Marist.
The team will return to action next weekend at the Raleigh Relays, hosted by NC State, where they will continue to build on this strong foundation.
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