Alex Puccia knows what it takes to build a championship team.
After all, during her career she has run alongside some of the greatest runners in the storied history of Andover High track, including as a member of the 4x400 relay that competed at New Balance Nationals last winter.
"I learned so much from working with those girls," said Puccia. "I saw, if you worked hard enough, you can accomplish anything. After three years of watching them, I feel ready for anything."
Now a senior on a very young Golden Warriors squad, no one is more qualified than Puccia to take on the responsibilities not just to lead, but to carry on the tradition of Andover High track.
"Alex has taken on a humongous leadership role and is showing the younger girls what Andover track is all about," said Warriors coach Peter Comeau.
"She brings the leadership to build a state champion, and we count on her as one of our top sprinters."
For three seasons, Puccia watched and idolized the likes of All-Scholastics Eve Bishop, Sydney Eberth, Jess Salley and Moira Cronin — all of whom graduated in the spring.
"Practicing with them, getting to run with them on the relays was so special," said Puccia. "I don't think some of the girls now realize how great they were."
Puccia found her way alongside those stars during her breakout winter last season.
She joined Bishop, Eberth and Jaclyn Torres as members of the 4x400 relay that placed third at All-States (3:57.63) and was 17th at Nationals (3:57.41). She continued that success in the spring, earning All-Scholastic honors as a member of the All-State champion 4x400 relay.
"Alex is the hardest worker I have ever known," said Eberth, now running for the University of Vermont. "She puts her heart and soul into everything she does and she is talented."
With so many stars lost to graduation, Puccia now knows she must take on an even more prominent role both as a captain and runner.
"I'm so used to having them in front of the team that it's weird to be the one in front," she said. "I feel the pressure but I feel I can handle it. I love being a captain and a leader."
And friends have no doubt she will excel in the new role.
"From what I have seen I think she is a very good captain," said Eberth. "She is so dedicated. She tells everyone where they need to be and makes sure things get done."
Puccia has also performed well on the track.
In the season-opener against Methuen she won the 300 (46.4), took the 600 against Haverhill (1:38.0) and continues to anchor the 4x400, at times joined by freshman sister Lily.
"Getting to run the relay together was great," said Alex, whose mother Dorothy (McKew) Puccia also ran track for the Golden Warriors. "Lily and I played varsity soccer together in the fall too and I love having her around."
Now Puccia, who is enrolled in Advanced Placement English, hopes to finish off her career with a bang.
"I have to be confident for every race and not worry about the competition," she said.
"Keep them in mind, but not let them get to me. Sydney is one of my role models because she got better every year and became a state champ last year. I am very excited for the season."
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