Ethel Walker Runner Completes Standout Season

SIMSBURY, CT — Madi Knapp, a member of Walker’s varsity cross country team, dominated leaderboards throughout the fall, regularly placing in the top five. Knapp saved her strongest race for her most competitive field, which she faced at the Founders League Championship, where she finished third.

At the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship race, Knapp placed sixth in a field of 159 runners, besting a time she ran in the first meet of the season on the same course.

Coach Sarah Edson was pleased with Knapp’s performance, saying, “Madi dropped 40 seconds since the first meet of the season. Over the span of these two months, she worked hard and the results showed. As a first-year runner, Madi shows great promise as a new competitor.”

Knapp was named a NEPSAC All-Star as a top 20 varsity finisher at the NEPSAC Championship. In addition, she was named a Founders League All-League athlete as well as a Founders League All-Star.

Edson is looking forward to working with Knapp in the next two years.

“Madi trains with exceptional dedication," she said. "She works out with the team, regularly exceeding what’s asked of her, and she conditions on her own. She is a driven athlete who sets high goals for herself and demonstrates the willingness to put in the work to attain them. Her work ethic and positivity benefit her and the entire team. We are a stronger athletic program because she is a part of it. Madi shows great promise, and it’s an honor to support her.”

Story and photo courtesy of Ethel Walker School

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