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TWCA's Zoe Calimani
THE PERFORMER: TWCA captain Calimani playing her own tune
The captain led her team to the TAPPS-5A State Meet in 2022, in which the team placed seventh overall. Calimani played a huge role in the team’s finish as she placed eighth individually out of nearly 150 runners.
“My teammates are definitely my biggest inspiration,” said Calimani. “Furthermore, being a captain on this team helps
to motivate me because I’ve been given the responsibility of setting an example for them. It’s my teammates who drive me to be better.”
2023-24 TWCA Cross Country Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
When she’s not on the trails or the track oval, the senior Warrior quite literally plays her own tune to unwind.
“I happen to be a pianist, along with being a distance runner, which I think helps me to be somewhat distinct,” Calimani said. “I’ve been playing the piano for 10 years now. I found that it helps to balance my life, especially since I’m often in the spotlight with cross country and track.
“I find that playing the piano is like my quiet place. I mostly play classical music, but it allows me to be alone for a period and relax.”
It won’t be long before Calimani graduates, so, what might her future hold?
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I know it’s funny to say, but I still see myself running,” she laughed. “I just love to run, it keeps me healthy and I feel like there’s such a great community around the sport. If I get the opportunity to run in college, even if it’s not competitive, I’m more than likely going to take it.
“Career-wise, I want to go into medicine or maybe in the field of pediatric nursing. It can be a difficult field to get into, but it’s an aspiration of mine.”
If she has the determination to run several miles in the brutal Texas heat on a daily basis, it shouldn’t be too much of a stretch to assume that Calimani is capable of making anything a reality.
2022-23 TWCA Girls Track & Field
STATE WRAP: TWCA delivers gold finishes at TAPPS Championship
TWCA made a strong introduction in the competition, during Friday’s series of Field events, as sophomore Taylor Makiya started the show off in style, by being crowned as the 5A Girls Shot Put State Champion after throwing for just over 39 feet. This gold medal will pair nicely with the one from 2022 she has at home.
TWCA's Taylor MakiyaBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Later on Friday, the Warriors also enjoyed two more top placements from Andrew Cockrill (So.) who finished in the No. 3 spot for the Boys Pole Vault (12-00), while senior AJ Belser took bronze in the Boys Discus with a throw of 143’4”.
Saturday’s events were even more impressive, with juniors Zoe Calamani and Sarah Chappelle, in particular, being the stars of the show.
TWCA's Zoe CalimaniBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Not only did the pair have integral roles in the third-place finish for the Girls 4x200 Relay (4:04.69), but Calimani would conclude the Meet with another bronze in the 400m (57.14s), as well as a State Title in the 800m (2:18.67)
Similarly, Chappelle would become a State Champion after showcasing her premier speed in the 300m Hurdles (45.75s), while placing third in the 100m (15.22s).
TWCA's Sarah ChappelleBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The final tally listed the TWCA Girls in the No. 5 spot with 65 points, and the Boys at eleventh overall (23.5 points).
While the composite team results weren’t as high as the Warriors would have hoped, the individual successes speak for themselves.
Considering the majority of the group will be returning a year from now, who’s to say they can’t change that next time around?