WOODBURY — When watching professional athletes perform at the peak of their careers, it’s hard to believe they all started as high school students. Most times, colleges start to take their pick at these above-average athletes during their junior years, but when a freshman like Sophia Garguilo enters the rankings, that might happen a lot sooner.

“In a few years, I hope that I’ll be running D1 in college,” Garguilo said of her Division I aspirations. “I think if I keep improving that I can run competitively.”

With Nonnewaug girls track coach Arleigh Duff, who has trained two dozen girls track teams to win Berkshire League championship titles, not improving is out of the question. 

“She’s got a promising career,” Duff said. “She has a really good time as a freshman, and I think that if she continues to do this she’s gonna go pretty far; I have strong plans for her.”

While the practice is crucial for cutting down race times, the teammates Garguilo is surrounded with have helped her just as much.

“My coaches and my teammates have helped me a lot,” Garguilo said. “The support from my captains has helped push me and make me a better runner.”

Most people have to train harder in the beginning of the season to get in top shape, but when other sports occupy the track offseason, it can give the athlete a head start. 

“Hockey has definitely helped me become more competitive in track,” Garguilo said. “I’m just used to the competition of hockey and also the conditioning and strength that it gives me.”

Wherever Garguilo ends up, Duff believes her mindset is what carries her through. 

“As a freshman, she almost has the mentality of a kid who’s older, like a junior or senior,” Duff said. “She came in her freshman year, and you just see a no-fear kind of attitude, and when she gets on the track, you see that.”