No matter how much energy her rigorous training regimen drains out of her, Joelle Budz’s drive is kept in motion by the fact that she is well aware it is all worth it in the short and long runs. Now, the middle distance runner notched herself nationwide recognition after a sizzling winter season.

The Branford girls’ indoor track senior captain grew up playing soccer throughout her childhood, before being encouraged to try her hand at track due to the swiftness she displayed on the pitch. She never stopped from that starting point her freshman year. This indoor postseason, after finishing sixth for the 55 meter dash at SCCs, and then third at the Class M State Championships, she additionally qualified for Nationals in the event, being held later this month in New York, after she finished 16th at the State Open Championship in 7.55 seconds.

“I love how track is so individually focused, but it also has a good team atmosphere where everyone is uplifting. I have even become friends with athletes on other teams,” says Joelle. “I just pride myself on being a hard worker. I put a lot of time into training, and I just train every day. I also strength train about two or three times a week; my dad creates my training program, and it helps improve my speed.”

When it came to the pressure-packed and heart-pounding moments of the postseason competitions, Joelle had some early anxieties pre-race. Yet once she locked into her starting formation, it was all systems go with all apprehensions eradicated.

“I just trusted my training and knew that everything I was doing was going to help me go far,” Joelle says. “I was nervous before the SCC and state meets, but once I got into the starting blocks, I got that adrenaline rush and overcame my nerves.”

Joelle showcases some diversity along the running lanes, taking part in a lengthier 300 dash individually, while also showing herself in the relay department with the 4x400 relay. She explains that running all those different types of events makes her a well-rounded athlete, with a balanced dose of speed and stamina.

“The 55 dash is my favorite, because it works basically off of top speed, and you just have to run really fast. The 300 is more endurance-based,” says Joelle. “I just trust my training, because the more I race, the better my mind becomes with it.”

In speaking to her preparation for any race, Joelle explains that she sort of prepares in excess, by going a greater distance than the one that will be asked of her once she gets set in her mark.

“I train with my dad during the offseason, and he trains me to help me get faster,” Joelle says. “We do something called overreach training, which is going further distances than I do in meets. So, if I usually do 300 meters, I will train by running 650 or 700 meters. It really has helped me a lot in getting ready for meets.”

In assuming the responsibility as a squad captain, it has come full circle for Joelle in terms of perspective and influence on her younger colleagues and teammates. She loves providing that enthusiastic and contagious spirit that pushes the girls to go above and beyond, and shave seconds off their times over the course of a campaign.

“I think this year we grew as a close-knit group and all became close friends. I know I have made some close friends,” says Joelle. “We all practice outside in the cold for the season, and those workouts helped bring us closer. I looked up to the senior captains when I was a freshman and sophomore. So, it is awesome and an honor to be in that role. I try to encourage and motivate the girls to work hard, and it is so cool to see their times improve from the beginning of the season to the end.”

Kevin Connell, Branford girls’ indoor track Head Coach, explains that Joelle never suffers losses. That is because she uses setbacks as learning and motivational tools, while leading and influencing her teammates as captain.

“What makes Joelle special is her focus; she works as hard as anyone, but she looks to find out specifically how she can become a better athlete. She puts everything into achieving that goal,” says Connell. “Over the past four years she continues to improve, and she has taken defeats and turned them into motivation for next season's success. Joelle had an immediate impact from freshman year. She has become a mainstay of the 4x400, both indoor and outdoor, as lead off. She always sets the tone and puts the team in an excellent position. As a captain, I can't ask for more. She takes her responsibility very seriously. Joelle knows what hard work and determination have done for her, and she imparts that on her teammates.”

While she will also pace herself in the open air for the Hornets this upcoming outdoor slate in the spring, Joelle will also continue to make tracks by committing to run at Southern Connecticut State University while studying Business Management. She is ready for any future challenges in her secondary education career, thanks to the mental and physical fortitude produced through her sprints.

“I have really learned to be resilient and face adversity,” Joelle says. “Both of those things have helped me grow as a person. I also learned a lot about the importance of time management skills and communication, as both a student and athlete.”