Running is never just a game for track athletes. For distance runners, improving by a couple of seconds may seem manageable, but for a sprinter like Charlize Longville, improving by just 0.01 seconds can feel harder than scoring a 100 on an Algebra II test. However, during her junior outdoor track season, Longville improved her 100-meter dash time from 13.25 seconds to 12.97 seconds. Not only did this achievement qualify her for the PSAL City Championship, but it also reflected the consistency, determination, and hard work she showed throughout the entire season and year.

For Longville, this season was all about growth. She explained that one of the biggest highlights for her was seeing how much progress she made throughout the year. In track and field, breaking personal records is never easy, especially in sprinting where every fraction of a second matters. Still, she continued to challenge herself and push past her limits.

“The individuality of track makes it special to me,” Longville said. “I like being able to challenge myself and see how much I improve.”

Outside of the track, Longville also had to balance school, work, and her personal life while training almost every day. She said that staying organized and managing her schedule helped her stay focused during the season. Some days she had to focus more on schoolwork or work responsibilities, while other days were more dedicated to practice and training.

“It’s important that I give attention to everything that matters to me,” she said.

One of Longville’s proudest moments this season came during the PSAL Borough Championships in the 100-meter dash. Even though she did not run a personal best during the race, she said the experience changed the way she viewed herself as an athlete. Before races, she usually feels nervous and often thinks she could have performed better afterward. However, Borough Championships felt different because of the support she received from her teammates and the crowd.

“Seeing the medal and hearing everyone support me really did something for me,” Longville said.

Another major highlight of the season was the relay race at Borough Championships. Even though track is often seen as an individual sport, Longville said the relay reminded her how important teamwork is. Running alongside two freshmen and one junior teammate became one of the proudest moments of her season.

“They pulled through not only for me, but for themselves and for us as a team,” Longville said. “The relay brings everything together in a special way.”

At the beginning of the season, Longville set a goal to break 13 seconds in the 100-meter dash. By the end of the season, she finally accomplished it by running a 12.97. For her, it was proof that all the hard work she had put in over the past three years was finally paying off.

Longville also shared that one of the biggest things motivating her throughout the season was the feeling that track and field is where she truly belongs. After trying other sports in the past, she found comfort and confidence on the track. She also said that making the people around her proud motivates her to keep working hard every day.

Even though sprinting focuses a lot on individual performance, Longville believes her teammates and coaches are a huge part of her success. Their support helped her through difficult practices, stressful meets, and challenging moments during the season.

As the outdoor season comes to an end, Longville’s success cannot only be measured by times or medals. From breaking the 13-second barrier to gaining confidence in herself and building stronger connections with her teammates, this season became one of growth, hard work, and unforgettable memories.