Marta Moreno joined ASH in 4th Grade and graduated in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated cross country and track athlete. She competed from 5th to 12th grade, captained the team, and earned multiple titles, also training with clubs in the Netherlands and Spain. Marta credits ASH—and her inspiring coaches—for opening the door to compete as a Division I runner in the U.S. Now in her final semester at Eastern Michigan University, she’s studying graphic design.

 

I came to ASH in 4th grade and I was there until I graduated in 2021. At ASH I was on the cross country and track team from 5th to 12th grade, and served as the team captain for two years. I acquired a few titles while I was at ASH and I also competed in track and field for Leiden Atletiek for six years and Club Athletismo Albacete for three.

 

I think one of the most valuable things I took from ASH were the friends I made. Even though we’re all in different areas of the world, we still keep in touch.

 

ASH opened a lot of doors for me. It gave me the opportunity to go study in the US. I learned there that I really liked to run. During my years at ASH, I had a lot of great coaches in my life that shaped me as an athlete and encouraged me to want to pursue more with running. These coaches included Matt Smith, Arthur van Dijk, Patrick Vlassemaan and Becki Bishop. Without them I doubt I would’ve been able to compete as a D1 runner and be where I am today.

 

My standout moments at ASH definitely come from track meets and cross country meets. I made a lot of great memories and practice after school was definitely the highlight of my day. As a team we achieved a lot of big wins at ISST and NECIS. Celebrating as a team is one of my favorite memories from my time at ASH.

 

I am currently in my last semester at Eastern Michigan University. I’m studying graphic design and I’m hoping to get into grad school for graphic design. Currently I am competing in my last season of indoor and outdoor track and field.

 

Photo credit: Eastern University