LYNN — St. Mary’s has a strong tradition of preparing its student-athletes to continue their careers at the next level. Earlier this week, the school’s track and field program saw two of its members, seniors Lily Belschner and Michael Carroll, take steps in continuing that tradition. Belschner and Carroll signed letters of commitment to run track at Regis College.
“I’m super proud of them,” St. Mary’s track coach Tristan Smith said. “They both put in so much effort and time to track. The fact they’re getting so much out of it is a testament to that. Track’s so much effort-based in practice. It shows up on meet day and in things like this. They’re both going forward in their careers and they’ll get to do something they love in college.
“This was my first signing day as a coach. It was definitely a new experience for me. I’m just really proud of both of them.”
Smith has coached Belschner and Carroll for two seasons at St. Mary’s. He said they each bring leadership to the program and serve as role models for the underclassmen to follow.
“We only have three coaches and upward of 50 kids on the team,” Smith said. “Having someone we can delegate a work out to and make sure everyone else is doing the right thing, getting something out of it, is huge. They’re great role models. We have kids in the seventh and eighth grades. It’s huge for them to have someone to look up to, both on and off the track. We’re really lucky to have them.”
Belschner, a Revere native, is a four-year member of the program. She runs the 55 and 100 meters, and does the triple and long jumps. She visited Regis during her junior year (2017) and came away impressed with the Weston campus.
“I chose Regis because it reminded me of a second home,” Belschner said. “The first time I visited the campus everybody was so welcoming. That’s exactly what I looked for. During the application process I needed to find my home away from home and Regis was the perfect fit.”
Narrowing down the options brings plenty of stresses and challenges but signing her name on the commitment letter is a moment Belschner cherished.
“The signing made everything feel extremely real,” Belschner, who plans to major in neuroscience, said. “It put everything in perspective and made everything become a reality. The signing made me feel great about being part of a special team and I can’t wait to run with them.
“They’re extremely talented and work very hard. I’ve been in touch with (Regis coach Kourtney Bonsey) and she has informed me on all the meets they’ve been winning. To me, that really inspires me to work hard for their team.”
A Lynn native, Carroll’s a seven-year member of St. Mary’s track program. He joined the team as sixth-grader and runs the 600 meters, 1000 meters and one mile. He also anchors the 4X400 relay group.
Carroll visited Regis during his sophomore year (2016) and developed a connection with Bonsey through the commitment process.
“I first visited Regis when I was a sophomore and liked the campus,” Carroll said. “Then my junior year I got a letter from (Bonsey) which expanded my interest. Going to visit and talking with the (Bonsey) made me feel as if this could be my future for the next four years.
“From visiting and talking with (Bonsey), the team becomes your second family. The track program has been very successful in the past couple years.”
Carroll felt relieved to make his commitment official and is excited to join the Pride.
“Making the signing official made me feel excited for my future,” Carroll, who aims to major in criminal justice, said. “I’m looking forward to competing at the collegiate level.”
Both Belschner and Carroll are confident they’re on track to succeed as student-athletes at Regis.
“Being a student athlete is a commitment,” Belschner said. “It takes a lot of dedication. Regis is extremely passionate about students succeeding on their sports teams and in the classroom. I think, with their help, I’ll succeed.”
“Regis really emphasizes being a student-athlete,” Carroll said. “Studies come before athletics at Regis and succeeding in the classroom will mean success on the track.”
