Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted everyday life, typical Senior Day events to honor Wheaton's seniors in spring sports could not occur in the normal fashion. In the next several days we will honor the seniors in each of the Thunder Spring sports. Today we honor the seniors for the Thunder men's and women's outdoor track & field program. The webpage with the men's track & field "Senior Day" recognition is available here.

Below is our recognition of the seniors on the 2019-20 Wheaton women's track & field team with quotes by head coach Scott Bradley.

ELISE ALEXANDER

"It has been evident from very early on that you would become the beloved mother-hen figure of your large and close-knit distance class.  Your teammates and coaches love and respect you as a person and as a competitor.  We will miss your sweet and nurturing spirit, your kindness and your maturity."

SOPHIA BECKER

"While you never push yourself into the center of attention, your quiet and consistent presence has not gone unnoticed on this team.   Your love for this team and your teammates is evident in so many ways. We will miss your loyalty, your faithfulness and your enduring spirit."

TAYLOR BURTON

"You have handled adversity with great maturity, even though I know it has not been easy. I have huge respect for the fact that you exhibit the same joyful spirit whether running at your best, your worst, or not running at all.  We will miss your positive outlook, your spiritual maturity and your radiant presence."

FAVOR EZEWUZIE

"Your rise from track novice to elite national level in multiple events has been one of the most unexpected and rewarding experiences of my coaching career.   More impressively, however, has been the way you have humbly and graciously handled your success.  We will miss your grateful spirit, your positivity and your ability to connect with your teammates and competitors."

PAIGE HAWTHORNE

"You have blessed this team with your sweet and gentle spirit.  We have truly missed you the past two falls when you studied away from Wheaton; the team felt complete upon your return.  We will miss your calm and soothing presence, your consistent joy, and your willingness to work hard even when the results were not what you wanted."

MACKENZIE KENNEDY

"You have endured multiple physical set-backs both in high school and college track, but through it all, remained positive and team-oriented.  I have really appreciated your leadership and your willingness to do whatever you could to serve the team.  We will miss your spunky personality, your perseverant spirit and your consistent dedication to this team."

CHARLOTTE MATZAL

"You are truly one of the most coachable athletes that I have ever worked with.  I have never seen you be anything but kind, positive and respectful towards your teammates and coaches.  We will miss your quiet competitiveness, your mature presence and your dedication to be the best you can be in all areas of your life."

HANNAH OECHSLE

"X, our team has greatly benefited from the steady, consistent and mature leadership you have exhibited over the past several years.  I admire how you have unselfishly given your best for this team in good and bad times, both on the track and through your joyful presence.  We will miss your composure, your quiet enthusiasm and your love for this team."

MICHAELA SANDENO

"Even though you had one of the shortest tenures in team history, you made a huge contribution to our community.  I loved and appreciated the way you jumped right in to the fabric of our community and displayed true appreciation and love for our team.  We will miss your infectious enthusiasm, your willingness to be open and honest and your unmistakable laughter."

ALLY STAPLETON

"There are many ways to define success; in you, I see someone who has faced the darkest of moments with the courage and bravery found in the fiercest soul.  The amount of growth I have seen in you brings pride to my heart.  We will miss your desire to love and serve your teammates with whatever God gives you each day, and your constant desire to seek God in your yearning to grow."

CATHERINE STAPLETON

I am always impressed by the discipline, determination, and the great work ethic that you bring to running and everything else in your life.   I have also enjoyed seeing you grow as a person as you have come to better understand yourself and those around you.  We will miss your toughness, your faithfulness and your passion.

CASSIDY THORNBURG

"I am grateful for your positive outlook and your genuinely kind disposition which are so evident when you come to practice each day.  You make everyone around you better because of who you are.  We will miss your enthusiasm, your fun spirit, and your perseverance."