Senior Danielle Hale accumulated more individual district titles during her track and field career than any other athlete in South Lakes’ history. She also led the team to three indoor and outdoor district championships.

The school honored Hale’s accomplishments by nominating her for the Fairfax County Public Schools High School Sports Woman of the Year award.

“Prior to Danielle Hale coming into our track program, the team that was the most successful was our boys track team,” track and field coach Scott Raczko wrote on the nomination form. “Through dedication, performance, and setting an example of what hard work can do…our girls track program has won three consecutive indoor and outdoor track titles. Coaches couldn’t ask for a better leader than Danielle Hale.”

Hale initially joined the indoor team in the winter of her freshman year in order to get in shape for soccer in the spring. She found herself falling in love with track and field though, and she decided to stick with it.

Hale experimented with different events over the years, and this season she competed in eight: high jump, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus throw, 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4×100 meter relay.

The relay race is Hale’s favorite running event.

“It’s short and sweet, and I get to do it with my teammates,” Hale said.

According to Hale, the team became close-knit due to the large amount of time that the competitors spent together. Hale’s teammates say that they appreciate Hale’s support.

“Danielle’s a good motivator,” senior Kristin Tran said. “Even during workouts, she’ll cheer everyone on.”

Senior Grace Gillen notes that Hale makes a special effort to reach out to younger team members.

“Danielle bridges the gap between the incoming freshmen who are just learning and the varsity team,” Gillen said.

Gillen also believes that Hale sets a good example for their teammates by demonstrating dedication and a positive attitude. She attributes Hale’s success to her willingness to work to develop her natural talent.

“She hardly ever complains about the workout or the weather for a tough practice,” Gillen said.

Hale was even willing to sacrifice attending her senior prom in order to compete at regionals. However, she received permission to leave the meet early with her date, senior Nick DeAtley, after they finished their events, and the pair arrived at the dance around 10:30 p.m.

“I think it was an obvious choice,” Hale said. “I would have picked the meet over prom, but I was lucky that I was able to do both.”

Hale won her first regional champion title when she placed first in the long jump at the Region 6A North Outdoor Championship at Robinson Secondary School May 29-30, and she finished her track and field career at the “bittersweet” Virginia 6A State Championship Todd Stadium, Newport News June 6-7.