Alumni athletes have paved the way for current athletes. Whether they competed last year or seventeen years ago, their contributions to the NDB athletics community deserve recognition.
One alumni athlete, Emily Detert, class of 09’, made tremendous strides on the track and cross country field. Detert started her NDB athletic career participating in golf, but in her sophomore year, she participated in cross country and track and field until her junior year. She developed a particularly strong love for cross country because of the trails she was able to run on and because of her love for being outdoors.
“I love cross country and track, but I think I love cross country just being outside on all the trails,” said Detert.
Detert left Notre Dame with top times to this day on the track and field and the cross country course. She was also able to earn a spot competing at CCS for both track and cross country. Since graduating, Detert has not yet been to a track meet or cross country race, but still reflects on the outlet it provided for her as a student athlete.
“I really enjoyed kind of the outlet of getting a lot of like energy and maybe anxiety out on the sports I really believe in. It’s like a good outlet to have in addition to school, because you’re able to get that energy out after school, and then, you know, get back to your work, and it’s a little calmer,” said Detert.
Another alumni athlete who gave tremendous effort in her sport is Michelle Ancelj Lombardi, class of 07’. Lombardi spent her time at NDB participating in soccer. She grew relationships with girls with whom she is close today. She played all 4 years on the varsity soccer team and watched the team grow and change.
“But every year I feel like we gained something from it, whether we were on a championship or, you know, we exceeded expectations or people improved,” said Lombardi.
Lombardi finished her high school soccer career having been a varsity-level player all 4 years, and leaving with a CCS championship win with her team in her sophomore year. Since graduating from NDB, Lombardi attended a few soccer games and, for the last few years, attended the annual alumni games.
“I’ve gone to, like, the last couple alumni games, soccer alumni games. Yeah, that’s been fun,” said Lombardi when asked about her experiences returning to NDB.
Alumni athletes have left a lasting impact on our sports programs. They have shaped sports at NDB and deserve recognition.
