Whether you are running full steam ahead in your own lane, or waiting for your leg of a relay race to take off, track and field can be a physically grueling and mentally demanding sport. For Destiney Christie, she has learned to break through any sort of deterrents in her mind to critical acclaim and several solo accolades.

The Thunderbirds’ indoor and outdoor track junior grew up in New Haven before moving to North Branford in sixth grade. After trying her feet at cross country, she tacked on both track campaigns her freshman year. This past winter, she was the runner-up for the 55-meter dash, finishing the run in a personal-best 7.67 seconds to claim Second Team All-Shoreline honors. That followed up a sensational sophomore outdoor campaign that saw her notch the Team MVP honors for the girls’ squad.

“My team and my coaches have been big for me. It is an individual sport, so you have to have a good supporting group around you, and I have that with my family and coaches who have pushed me,” says Destiney. “My training has helped me, and I like our coaches. They push us to be the best we are, and my family really helped. Track is hard, so I have also trained myself to break through that mental block in my head.”

When it comes to breaking that barrier in her mind, Destiney simply gives herself an internal pep talk and she submerges into the starting blocks. She also keeps her faith strong and uses some prayer to push through.

“I have helped myself mentally a lot through the years. I was not that good my freshman year I felt,” says Destiney. “For my sophomore year, I started believing in myself more. I set the tone all the time by saying to myself that I can do it. I also say a prayer before each race. I always pray and trust God will be with me through every step of the way. I did indeed acknowledge the growth I had once I put my faith and trust in God. I did not have any fear when I raced against some of the fastest people, because I knew I would be alright.”

Destiney loves to display her diverse skill set with track by boasting some proficiency in a team atmosphere via relay runs. She explains she has already seen her vast share of individual triumphs and pivotal postseason berths, including a spur-of-the-moment sprint and super to states.

“For indoor, I love the 4x200 relay and the 55 dash. I have a good relay team with me, and the 55 is my race so I just love being out there. For outdoor, I perform very strongly in the 4x400 and 200 dashes,” says Destiney. “My biggest personal achievement was making Second Team All-Shoreline this indoor season. I did not think I could do it before the race, so I was in shock when I saw my name. It was a tough indoor season, and I thought about quitting, so it was huge to earn that. Last year for the outdoor season, our 4x400 relay team made states. I was actually put there last minute due to an injury, and I had never done it before then.”

Another element of the sport Destiney has great affinity for is the fact that there is no set of walls between competitors and coaches, and everyone keeps the lanes of communication open freely. Through that love for the T-Birds’ family, a determined Destiney is ready to push herself to an even higher stature within the Shoreline, state, and national rankings and recognition.

“For outdoor season, I want to make First Team All-Shoreline, because with anything in track, I want to be first and not second,” Destiney says. “I would like to also possibly make it to nationals. I know if I put in the work, then I can do it. I also want to make states in all my events. For next indoor season as a senior, I want to also make First Team All-Shoreline.”

Destiney truly exhibits her commitment to her team and the track through her rigorous training. Head Coach Mike Rabuffo adds that she provides an added layer of encouragement to some of the younger competitors who may feel some trepidation.

“Destiney is a leader on the track through her workouts. She is constantly working hard and helping some of the younger athletes with the more complicated aspects of starting blocks or certain races,” says Rabuffo. “She came into her own this year as a runner, leading the 4x200 relay with the fastest leg, finishing fourth. She always keeps a positive attitude, which helps with the younger athletes who may feel intimidated by certain races or workouts. I’m excited to see what she’ll do in outdoor track this year!”

As she looks to continue on the course in college with track and field, Destiney has learned that the hallmarks of any successful individual in the working world is someone who has perfect attendance and discipline while showing a steady heart and hustle.

“I have learned that you have to stay consistent with yourself, because if you are not consistent with things, they will not turn out good,” says Destiney. “You have to always show up and never give up. You have to also show some encouragement in yourself. You have to believe in yourself and trust you can do the impossible.”