As an eighth grader, Bellerand showed up for the first day of spring track practice, but that much running on a hot day didn’t appeal to her. She had no interest in attending another middle-school workout.

“She showed up the first day in eighth grade and she quit the team,” Pacciani said. “She never even came back.”

Not until the following year, when her friend convinced her to give track another try.

Bellerand said she was more motivated and mature this time around. Emerson coaches immediately spotted Bellerand’s strength and had her throwing the shot put, discus and javelin. Three years later, The Record Female Athlete of the Week is graduating with school records.