Practice for the girls track and field team started last week on January 18, 2023. The girls had previously started conditioning in preparation for the season the last few weeks of December before finals and they had tryouts on January 16.

Due to former head Coach Mallory Johnson leaving, Nathan Atkinson, who is a part of ROTC and the West Health and Medicine Human Services Department, became the new head coach of the girls track team. When asked his expectations for the season, he said he wants to “improve in all aspects of track and field at Joliet West. Change the mindset into a winning attitude and establish discipline. We have a lot of talent and I want to grow the sport.” He has very high expectations for the girls and wants to establish a “strong foundation and standards” to eventually reach the goal of a State Championship.

The girls’ first meet, Black and Gold, is an inter-squad meet on February 4 at West High School’s field house at 12 P.M.  Coach Atkinson has previously told the girls that this meet will be the setting stone for the season, determining varsity spots, and who will be going to an invitational meet on February 11. 

“The amount of talent and diversity amongst the athletes will bring great success to our program! We have already improved so much and we’re only getting started. And soon we will be state bound,” exclaimed junior, Corrine Thomas. Junior, Mariah Brooks says, “I’m really excited to see how this season turns out. I feel like we have a really good team.” 

There is an excitement surrounding the team that hasn’t been seen in a while. All of these talented young girls are ready to make some memories and set new school records.