Name: Abhi Reddy
Year: senior
Hometown: Hinsdale
When did you first start running?
Beginning of sophomore year. I had a good two mile in soccer for tryouts, so I decided to try out and see how it goes.
What has kept you involved?
My teammates have been really supportive through quarantine and everything else. We had a good mindset and kept each other motivated through Zoom calls and training schedules and that kind of thing that kept me motivated.
What do you enjoy most about being on the team?
I just enjoy being able to bond over the hard days. Our coach always says, "The reason you are so close is because you go through hard things together."
How have you improved since your sophomore year?
I think my commitment is a lot better, just because when I first joined, I wasn't sure I wanted to stick with it. Now it's a big commitment in my life. I try to be here for my teammates.
What is a good piece of advice you've gotten from a coach?
Be fully committed. Coach (Noah) Lawrence has just said the best way to do well in the sport is just to commit yourself to your goals and try and improve on them.
What is your goal for the season?
My goal personally is to make the top seven for our team. As a team, we just have big aspirations. We have a great group of guys right now. We're working toward that going into the post-season. Of course we want to do well at state, but right now we're just working on putting in the training to get there.
Will you compete in college?
I don't think I'll run for a team, necessarily, but maybe on my own. I don't see myself giving it up right away.
Why does coach Jim Westphal like having Reddy on the team?
Abhi is a very quiet leader for our program. What I enjoy most is that he comes ready to work hard every day and with a great attitude. If he doesn't have a great race, he doesn't get too down; rather, he goes back to work to improve the next time out. Abhi, thus far, is our most improved runner in the entire program, which is a testament to his commitment to improving as an athlete and teammate.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
