Over the past couple of weeks, senior Helena Murphy’s future as a Varsity Track and Field athlete has been put on a temporary pause, due to her recent knee injury. Murphy will start her season on the sideline cheering her team on. 

Just a week before the season began, Murphy dislocated her knee, causing two ligament sprains and a bone bruise on her femur. 

Murphy kicked off her track career as a sophomore. She has progressed as a thrower. 

“Funny story, I actually lost a bet to my dad and had to go to tryouts,” she said. “By the end of the first day, I was in love with the sport and have stayed ever since.” 

For the past two seasons, Murphy has had a full schedule. She would start her day by waking up early to get to training, then off to school, followed by practice, work, and then home by 11:00 p.m. to start homework. Her busy days have never diminished her commitment to the sport. 

“She is a highly valued teammate,” said junior Lily Smith. 

Murphy says her teammates inspired her to become a better teammate.

“I compete with myself more than anyone, but I’ve learned not to be so hard on myself and have patience which is something I have always struggled with,” said Murphy. 

Junior Emma Stadolnik said Helena’s “confidence” has encouraged her as well as the rest of the team. 

Murphy has received 26 offers to play track and field at the college level. Additionally to her success as an athlete, last season she was invited to the NSC Leadership Conference. The conference brings 14 student-athletes from each school within the sports conference for a series of seminars and small-group consultation. 

“I think the opportunities I have been given are amazing. I love track and would love to spend more time in the sport, but right now I am just looking out for what’s best for my future and I don’t know yet for sure if track fits in the picture,” Murphy said. 

Every athlete has their share of challenges, but for Murphy, her struggles include “focusing on patience and motivation” on bad days, she said.

“It’s hard because track is somewhat of a solitary sport, and you’re on your own in the ring”, said Murphy. “But I have to learn that I won’t PR every meet, and I have to focus on steady progress.”

Murphy is looking on the bright side regarding her future with the sport. 

“My future is in limbo right now. I’m not exactly sure when I’ll be able to compete again. It seemed like when it happened, my whole track career was over. I was terrified that something I love so much was gone,” she said. “It’s definitely been a rough time, but right now I just have to put all my energy into getting healthy again and healing up to be able to be there for my team and myself.”