Salute to Seniors: Emma Young Cape Elizabeth High School

2024 Maine Salute to Seniors

Derek Veilleux

Jul 19, 2024

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Name: Emma Louise Young

Team: Cape Elizabeth High School

When and how did you get into track and field?

I started running when I joined the Cape Elizabeth High School XC team at the beginning of my sophomore year. I had been a competitive gymnast with the goal of competing in college, but a hip injury prevented me from progressing in that sport, and it wasn't enjoyable anymore. So, I tried out XC and track as a way of becoming more connected at the high school after a year of full-remote learning.

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

I mainly raced girls in the Western Maine Conference, and the WMC has grown to be pretty competitive! As a team, York has always been battling with Cape in XC (and in my sophomore track season), and Cary Drake and Molly Kenealy have consistently pushed me in races. Those girls are also some of the best friends that I've made in running! I could fiercely hunt down Cary in an 800, then share a heartfelt hug at the end...and I could feel the extreme anxiety of finding myself next to Molly in the final stretch of a race (a scenario that almost always ended poorly for me), then laugh with her about it afterwards. I'm very grateful to have had competitors who both hold me accountable in races and inspire me with their kindness.

What was your greatest accomplishment?

I've had some gutsy races, and medals are fun, but I'd say my greatest accomplishment was helping to build a better environment for CEHS cross country and track athletes. I'm proud of the way that I contributed to creating a culture of trust and support on the team. Whether it was teaching a lesson on my RED-S research, or implementing a daily mental health log, I know that those things will stick with my teammates for much longer than my low stick in races.

How has track and field impacted your life?

Joining my first cross-country team was the best decision I've ever made! Maine running has taught me:

1.) to know fear, but not be driven by it.

2.) to never shy away from taking a chance on myself.

3.) how to be a better leader.

4.) that I GET to run.

5.) the natural wonders of Cape Elizabeth.

6.) how to mindfully compare myself to others.

7.) the importance of keeping the long view in mind.

8.) the warmth of the distance running community.

9.) the kind of beauty that is born from bravery.

...among other lessons, but those are the ones that I have written about on Strava :)

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

Hip pain that took me out for the middle of my first XC season, an anxiety diagnosis, pacemaker surgery, emergency surgery on Christmas morning (less than a month later), a crazy bout of sickness shutting down CEHS in the week leading up to XC states, breaking my collarbone two days before outdoor states...quite the string of UNfortunate events that have taught me just how FORTUNATE I am each time I toe the line. And no rain, no flowers!

How do you prepare for competitions?

I drink lots of beet juice, I joke with my teammates, I focus on fueling my body, and I write a letter to myself! I find that it is much easier to hype yourself up earlier in the week, so I write words of encouragement and strategy in advance, then read them on race day!

What influence has your coach had on your high school career?

Mr. Lupien (Coach Lupien) has easily been one of the most influential people in my life. I will never forget when he told me, "I see star potential in you," after my first cross country workout. No coach had ever said anything like that to me. I have a hard time trusting coaches, but he quickly became a "safe" person in the high school. Mr. Lupien was always proud of me-regardless of my performance, and he genuinely cares about his athletes as people. He has built an amazing distance program at Cape Elizabeth. I am forever grateful for how he has helped me grow as a runner and person.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?

I love anything outdoors (paddle boarding, hiking, Nordic skiing, etc.), and I am a total science nerd!

What are your college plans?

I will be attending Rice University in Houston, Texas to study Biomedical Engineering and run cross country and track.

What are your long-term goals?

My long term goal is to have an awesome "old lady" body. Strong bones, a healthy heart, a robust immune system, and a sustained love for running. And I'll take whatever times and performances that come without sacrificing that goal!

Who would you like to say thank you to?

Thank you to my parents for being at every single one of my meets, thank you to my Cape teammates for being brave for me and making me a better leader, thank you to Mr. Lupien for believing in me from day one, and thank you to the Maine running community for welcoming me with open arms. My home will always be more than a place because of it!

What advice would you give to younger athletes?

Keep the long view in mind and FUEL! Don't peak in high school! No short-term success is worth restricting your fueling and disrupting your body's development. Every female will experience a plateau or dip in performance in her high school/college years, and it is normal! Don't fight it! Continue to give your body what it needs and focus on other measures of improvement. Having a strong, old lady body down the road is so much cooler than being fast in high school.