Samantha Withers on why she became a track star

Published 9:35 am Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Samantha Withers is in so many ways the embodiment of a modern young woman. She’s socially conscience, kind, light hearted, intrigued by academics, a leader and a stand out athlete. Samantha is a track and soccer star who has been named ESA’s Sidney Hebert Athlete of the Year not once but twice.

Samantha Withers

17

Senior

Episcopal School of Acadiana

How did you get started in track? Originally it was a way for me to stay in shape for my other sport, soccer. I never dreamed it would end up taking off like this. I run the 3,200, 1,600, 800 and 400. I also run cross-country.

What was it like being named athlete of the year twice? It was an incredible feeling. It meant so much, because it’s not just specifically me being honored – it’s everyone who has helped and supported me along the way; without them I certainly wouldn’t have earned that award. It was a true honor.

In addition to the organizations you’re a member of, you’ve also cofounded a few. Right, This year I cofounded a feminist club with my good friend. We were really passionate about women’s rights and women’s oppression in the workplace. The club got a huge interest from a lot of freshmen girls. We discuss and debate current topics as they relate to women in a really healthy way. It’s so inspiring to see the younger girls be so passionate about their ideas and opinions. Two other friends and I also started a STEM club for girls. We learned that only 25 percent of STEM jobs are held by women, and that really enraged us. So we started this club to encourage younger girls, all girls, to be passionate about science, technology, engineering and math so they won’t feel inferior to men in those fields.

What are some of your recent accomplishments? I was Class President last year and this year. Being Class President is awesome, because you get to hear all of your classmates’ ideas and opinions. My school just started a Cum Laude, and four of my best friends and I were the first inductees. Last year, I won the Yale Book Award. They go to students who the teachers and the community feel really embody the messages of the respective school.

What has been your most proud moment? It was a coupe of years ago – I was running a race and I really thought I had it in the bag and I ended up getting passed at the finish line. Looking back, what I learned from that is my biggest source of pride. It really put me in my place. I realized I’m not a super star and I can’t go into races thinking I’m going to win. I can’t go into anything thinking that! It taught me to put all of my effort into everything that I do.