Senior Caroline Fix shines on the track and cross country teams as one of the fastest runners at New Trier, but also as a strong leader.

Although running may seem like an individual sport, Fix explained how vital team cohesiveness is to everyone’s success.

“We try to work together as a pack and use one another during the race. We might take turns leading so we can push one another and stay encouraged during the race.”

She said that watching her teammates accomplish a goal feels just as good as personal success because of the hard work everyone puts in at practice.

Part of a successful group dynamic includes strong leaders, another area in which Fix stands out.

“Caroline leads by example. She consistently makes an effort, especially during hard workouts, to help maintain the strength of the group through positive self-talk,” said senior teammate Natalie Marsh.

Head Girls Track Coach John Burnside said, “Caroline is a quiet yet meaningful leader. Her encouragement is extremely genuine and timely. Other athletes respond to her example and her encouragement.”

Along with leading by example, Marsh highlighted how important Fix was to the team leading up to the state cross country meet.

“When our varsity group was struggling to work together in workouts and in races, Caroline offered a lot of ideas that had an impact on everyone and strengthened the way our pack relied on each other in races.”

Fix is able to give advice and encouragement to the team due to her experience and success in her races.

One standout race in her high school career was in the 3 mile at state, where she ran a 17:17 and placed 27th. This race placed her in the top 5 Trevians of all time.

“She developed from a standout freshman to one of the top runners in the history of the program,” Burnside said.

Fix’s improvements from freshman year have come from her work ethic and determination. “Out of anyone on our team, she’s always the most focused on what she needs to be doing at practices and at meets in order to reach her next goal,” Marsh explained.

Fix’s determination and mental focus on her sport is what makes her achieve such success.

Fix clearly puts in the work during practice to improve, but she also inspires her team while doing so.

“She’s so mentally tough and effortlessly pushes through the hardest workouts which is so inspiring to be a part of and makes me and other teammates want to push harder also,” said senior teammate Grace Fagan.

Another aspect of her running career that has helped with her success is the support from her teammates and coaches.

“I respect Burnside so much and it is incredible knowing how much he believes in me and wants me to succeed. Part of what makes him such a great coach is that he wants everyone to achieve their personal goals, no matter how fast a runner they are,” said Fix.

Currently, Fix is focusing on her upcoming track season after finishing cross country on a disappointing note.

“Running is very much a mental sport and it can be hard when you fall short of your goals. However, I am even more determined to succeed during my track season,” she said.

One of Fix’s motivational quotes she lives by is, “Don’t think about what can happen in a month. Don’t think about what can happen in a year. Just focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be.”

This quote clearly illustrates her tough, focused mindset towards her upcoming season and achieving her goals in general.

Looking to the future, Fix plans on continuing her running career in college. “I really like the idea of running at the University of Minnesota, but I haven’t committed to anything yet.”