The Hamilton Southeastern girls’ track and field 4×400 team appears to be unbeatable. As they head into the 2025 season, the team is focused on continued improvement, already setting a new meet record just two meets into the season.
Last season, the team had the opportunity to compete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where they claimed the 4×400 state championship title. Chloe Senefeld, Addison Smith, Ciara Kepner, and Anissa Lammie went on to cap off their season at the Nike Indoor Nationals, emerging as 4×400 National Champions.
As they head into outdoor season after competing in the Indoor State Finals this weekend their standards are even higher for this outdoor season.
“ I want us to win state and get into the 3:40s because I know we’re capable of doing so,” sophomore Anissa Lammie said. “We all push ourselves by holding each other accountable and always doing our best”
Being able to reach new standards is what makes this group of girls thrive. They are always continually pushing themselves because they want to do it for each other. The teams anchor Junior, Chloe Senefled pushes herself through the pain of the race because the motivation of her teammates.
“I think what gets me through the pain is seeing my teammates standing at the finish cheering me on,” Senefled said. “They are my biggest motivators, and I want to give them my best effort because, If I do poorly, then that effects my teammates as well.”
Motivation is a key part of this race due to the intense mental challenges the athletes face. Having fun and staying positive before the race is vital. Senior, Ciara Kepner, understands the importance of mental strength in a high-stakes race.
“One way I prepare for my race is just staying mentally positive, once you get into your head, you’re kind of out of the race already before it began,” Kepner said. “You can always catch me talking to somebody either from our team or another team and I think this is a great way to distract myself that I’m about to go race.”
“The crowd cheering gets you excited and wanting to go, that’s why the 4×4 is so fun because it is the last event and the energy is so high and everyone is so excited and cheering,” Smith said.
The combination of mental toughness, motivation, and teamwork is what makes the Hamilton Southeastern 4×400 team so dominant. As they push forward into the outdoor season, their bond and relentless drive continue to set them apart from the competition.
As they continue their journey, one thing is certain—the Hamilton Southeastern 4×400 team isn’t just running for records. They’re running for each other, and that’s what makes them truly unstoppable.
