Radnor’s Keara Seasholtz is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The senior finished first in the 800 meter run in the Pennsylvania Track & Field Coaches Association (PTFCA) state indoor championships at Penn State. She also helped Radnor’s 4×400 and 4×800 indoor relay teams make States. Last spring, Seasholtz finished second in the 800 meter run at the PIAA Class AAA track state championship. A three sport athlete, Seasholtz played soccer for Radnor in the fall. Seasholtz, a National Honor Society member, will be attending University of Virginia next fall, where she will run track. Off the track at Radnor, Seasholtz belongs to Action Earth, a club focusing on environmental protection and awareness, and is a member of the LLS club (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), a club raising money and awareness for these cancers.
Q: What is your most vivid memory of the 800 meter run at the PTFCA state championships, and what was the key to your success that day?
A: The most vivid moment was definitely the last 50 meters and crossing the finish line. I made a really aggressive move in the beginning of the race and created a big gap between myself and the competition. I was a bit in shock at the end of the race realizing that no one had caught up with me, especially knowing the type of competition I was racing against! I remember feeling a wave of emotions such as disbelief, gratitude, and joy. I think the key for doing well in the race was going into the race with the goal to be aggressive and lay it all on the track. I tried to not get too caught up in who I was racing against, and focused only on myself. I remember talking with my mom before the race and she told me to go out there and race like a winner. I laughed at her originally, but it definitely inspired me to make sure that I finished that race with no regrets whatsoever.
Q: You also helped Radnor’s 4×400 relay and 4×800 relay make States. What is your favorite memory as a member of Radnor’s indoor relay teams?
A: Our 4×400 relay had a huge PR for the year at states. Being able to hug my teammates tight right after our race and being able to share that pride is one of the best feelings. We all love each other and would support each other no matter the outcome, but in that moment, seeing all of our hard work translate into a huge PR, we were all so happy and proud.
Q: You finished second in the 800 meter run at the PIAA Class AAA track championship last spring. What were the conditions, and what was the key to your performance that day?
A: That day was a little too hot for my liking. I was a little in my head and I was very nervous, but I was determined to make that my best race yet and to hit my goal time. I think the key to that performance was the competition and my drive to hit my goal. Although it was difficult getting out of my head before the race, once I stepped on the track I made the decision to be a competitor, have confidence in myself, and have fun doing what I love.
Q: Do you think running indoors (in the 800 meter run) presents any special challenges, compared to running outdoor track in the spring?
A: Yes! From my personal experience, one of the most difficult parts about indoor is getting back into the racing spirit and getting back into running shape. I do not run cross country during the fall, unlike most of my competition, because I play soccer. This is challenging because during indoor, it feels as though I am playing “catch up” to everyone else. Although soccer allows me to be a multidimensional athlete and I love the sport, it doesn’t get me into running shape. Additionally, since the indoor track is 200 meters versus 400 meters of outdoor, there are twice as many turns and, therefore, fewer opportunities to pass people efficiently. The strategy indoors is much different than outdoor and times are usually slower. Lastly, it’s difficult training in the winter! I’m not a fan of running in the cold. I really cannot wait for outdoor with the warmer weather and everything else that it will bring. I am definitely partial to outdoor track, but I love both seasons.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in indoor track. When did you first start competing in the 800 meter run? Who have been your biggest running mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?
A: I started running track in middle school. I ran for St. Thomas of Villanova in the CYO track program and I ran for Radnor Middle School during 7th grade. I have always loved running and was very competitive during the mile runs in gym class growing up, but soccer was my primary sport until around my freshman year and I thought I would play it in college. Little did I know that that would change! I have been lucky to have had so many running mentors in my life. My first track coach, Mr. Manion, inspired my love for competitive running. Also, my mother and my grandpa were both runners. As a tradition, my grandpa and mom would take me and my sister out of school to go to the Penn Relays on Friday. That definitely instilled a deep appreciation in my heart for track, being exposed to the energy and competitiveness of the Penn Relays at such a young age. Another mentor would be my awesome coach, Tom Flanagan! He has always believed in me and supported my goals wholeheartedly.
Q: Running track in the spring for Radnor, you have competed at Penn Relays. What is your favorite memory of Penn Relays?
A: I have been going to the Penn Relays since I was a toddler and have been racing in the Penn Relays ever since middle school. I have made so many wonderful memories there and it has a special place in my heart. It’s really difficult to pick just one! I love being able to race in such a historic stadium, and I love to see athletes of many ages and experience compete.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-meet preparation the day of a meet.
A: In the morning before my race, I am a nervous wreck. In order to try to combat that, I like to sit down and do my makeup. It’s therapeutic because I can distract my mind by doing a task that is very low pressure and fun for me. Once I get to the meet, the first thing I do is run around the track once or twice, giving myself time to picture my race, feel the track beneath my feet, and examine the atmosphere. At some point before my race, I also like to talk to my parents. They usually give me a hug, listen to my frantic words, and hype me up. I jog by myself to warm up to clear my mind and to get me in the zone. The hours leading up to a race are the most nerve-racking time I have to endure. Track and field is such a mental sport. The worst part of competing is the time leading up to the race. You have to control all your thoughts of self doubt and find a way to get excited and that is difficult. It is always a learning experience, though, and over the years I have gotten better and better at it.
Q: What do you think you might like to major in at the University of Virginia? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: I am going in undecided, because as my mom says, “you don’t know what you don’t know”. I am interested in many things involving science. I do not know what path that will take me. I am very interested in the environment and biology and I am passionate about exploring those options. We will see!
Fun facts – Keara Seasholtz
Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird.
Favorite TV show: Supernatural.
Favorite movie: It’s a Wonderful Life.
Favorite athlete: Shalane Flanagan.
Favorite pre-meet pump-up song: “Seven Nation Army” The White Stripes.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Stone Harbor, N.J.
Favorite pre-meet meal: Oatmeal.
Person I most admire, and why: “I admire my grandma, because she is the most caring and loving person I know, and I aspire to be like her.”
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
To view a gallery of the Main Line Girls Athletes of the Week from 2013 to present, click here.
