Many athletes have made their mark at John P. Stevens High School; numerous names stand out amongst the players who have devoted time and effort to their lifetime sport. Notably, Shreya Tekal, a 4-year varsity track and cross country runner, stands among those athletes. Shreya represents the core meaning of determination, resilience, and hard work.
Shreya’s journey with running for the team started back in middle school, where she ran both the track and cross country teams, showing an undeniable passion for the sport. In high school, she continued to run for the track team, and it was solidified in her sophomore year that she wanted to commit to the sport. In the process, Shreya made many new friends and enjoyed the strong camaraderie of the team.
What truly sets Shreya apart is her uplifting spirit and exceptional leadership. A teammate said, “She’s one of the sweetest people I’ve met and is always there for you.” Shreya is always described as a caring and fun person to be around, as well as someone who looks to bring out the best qualities of her peers. She is also described as “incredibly competitive” and is “always there for you no matter what happens.”
Reflecting on her 4 years with the teams, Shreya acknowledges many memorable moments. Amongst them, her top memory was participating in senior night and spending time with the team, whether it was team eats, playing beach volleyball, scavenger hunts, and more. Along with this, Shreya notes that the bus rides home and summer practices are all moments she will remember.
In her junior year, Shreya won the GMC novice 5K, and in spring track, her relay placed in the 4x1600m, which are incredible achievements in JPS history. She said that she’s “proud of how far everyone has come” and “getting to know everyone on the team” was the highlight of her running career. According to her, “there was never a boring practice.”
Shreya’s leadership extends beyond the track; she has supported an environment where everyone enjoys their time and has fun. Her valuable teamwork and cohesive leadership have led the team to many instances of success. Shreya encourages underclassmen to “never be scared to try new things, as you never know what you may end up enjoying.” She encourages everyone to broaden their horizons and explore new hobbies.
Shreya Tekal will leave her legacy behind as she begins the next chapter of her life; she has shown the school what it means to have incredible leadership and teamwork. Shreya continues to strive and will continue pursuing her passion in the future, inspiring many student athletes at JP Stevens today.
