Amin poised for big comeback track season

HUNTLEY — Huntley girls track and field coach Jason Monson received some good news before the start of the indoor season.

About five months after suffering an ankle injury at the Huntley Class 3A sectional, senior Sophie Amin returned for a full season.

“Amin approached her recovery in the same way she approaches so many things, with a tenacity and focus that is unmatched,” Monson said. “We knew she would do all that she needed to do, but the fact that she was able to go full bore at the start of the indoor season was incredible, though not surprising given Amin’s character.”

In the outdoor meets, Amin won the 100-meter hurdles at Springfield Southeast. The Red Raiders are preparing for the May 2 Fox Valley Conference meet at Jacobs.

Amin, who will attend the D-1 University of South Dakota next season, answered questions about her comeback and track and field experiences.

Describe the rehab process and your determination for this season.

Amin: “The process felt very slow at the time since I was starting from square one with my mobility, strength, and also my confidence in my ankle. But the more my rehab progressed I felt like I could come back stronger than I originally thought. When I first started the whole process, we weren’t sure if I even would be running in our indoor season, but I was very lucky to be able to come back before then. I am so grateful to be experiencing this season as a whole, and I have some pretty ambitious goals for myself.”

What events have you participated in at HHS? Who were your teammates who assisted you early on?

Amin: “I have done quite a few different events throughout my time on the team. I used to do both long jump and triple jump, then switched to hurdles, all while doing different sprints and relays. Vicky Evitmov, K’Leigh Saenz, and Alex (Johnson, Class of 2023) were my first few friends on the team, and they ended up being some of my closest friends.”

How did you originally decide on track and field? Other sports that you participated in at middle school or high school?

Amin: “I used to do gymnastics for around 12 years until I stopped my freshman year because I did not find it enjoyable any more. I joined track because I originally thought it would be an easy way to stay in shape, but when it turned out to be challenging, I fell in love with it.”

Favorite memories from last season’s IHSA Class 3A State title?

Amin: “One of my favorite memories from last season’s state meet was watching it all happen. Since I wasn’t able to help physically, I tried my best to be supportive of my team while they accomplished what we had all been working toward all year. Although it was difficult to not be able to run with them, watching them compete was a whole new perspective that I am grateful I was able to have.”

Describe the recruitment process and how you chose South Dakota?

Amin: ”My recruitment process went very well and I was able to see a variety of coaches and colleges throughout it all. But in the end, I chose South Dakota because I felt very valued as an athlete but also as a student. I fell in love with the overall feel of everything and during the visit there I just felt like it clicked. I am going to be doing hurdles and sprints there, and I am very excited to see what college athletics has to offer.”

Main goals for yourself or the team this season?

Amin: “My main personal goals this season were to get the indoor 60-meter hurdles record and also get the 100-meter hurdles record outdoors. I was able to get the 60-meters hurdles record twice indoors this season and I am very motivated for this outdoor season. For our team, I see another amazing season ahead of us, with everybody somehow working harder than they were last year. I think that a lot is coming for this team in the future.”

Who is most likely to make the mood light at practice:

Amin: “I think the whole team does a great job of lifting each other up since we can’t all have great days and be excited and bubbly all the time. But if I had to pick one person, I would say Evitmov. She is one of my best friends, and she is always so hard-working and excited about new challenges that it makes others feel the same way. During practices, it is easy to see Evitmov is our leader and many people, including myself, look up to her.”