Your Daily Local and D9and10Sports are highlighting returning high school student-athletes this summer. The year in school listed next to the athlete’s name is the year the athlete is entering this fall. Player profiles for the week of July 3 are powered by Tionesta Builders Supply. To nominate an athlete, send us a message
Full List of 2022 Player Profiles
Abigail Nichols – Grove City – Senior
Sports Played: Three-year letter winner in Cross Country and Track and Field
Parents Names: Steve and Connie Nichols
Siblings: Gabe (19) and Ben (19)
Social Media Handles: Twitter: ab_nichols385
2021-22 Highlights: I was the 2022 District 10 champion in long jump, triple jump, 300m hurdles, and also part of a winning 4x400m relay team. The GCHS girls’ track team also took home a co-champion D10 title that day. I competed at the PTFCA Indoor Track and Field state meet in triple jump, and competed at the PIAA state championships in both triple jump and 300m hurdles.
College Athletics plan if applicable: I plan on extending my track and field career to the collegiate level, and am extremely excited to be in the process of looking at schools and seeing what opportunities may be available in the future.
Q&A
Q: What was the first sport you played? Why did you play it? Did you like it?
A: I played soccer when I was little, and my parents love to tell people that I was more interested in running faster than the other players than actually going for the ball. I also played basketball in middle school and danced competitively until my freshman year, and owe a lot of my hurdle mechanics and athleticism to dance. I fell in love with track in middle school and really began to focus on cross country and track at the start of high school.
Q: What is the most important factor in you being successful in high school athletics?
A: I have been extremely blessed with the coaches and mentors that I have worked with, along with having incredible role models in both of my older brothers. The teamwork and enthusiasm that comes from my teammates and coaches is incredible, and I’m constantly being pushed to work hard and be the best I can be for both myself and my team.
Q: What is your favorite non-sports “go-to” activity?
A: I love spending time outside, getting involved in my school and community, and hanging out with my friends.
Q: You could meet one sports figure, living or dead (1) who would it be and (2) what is the first thing you would ask them?
A: I would love to meet Allyson Felix and ask her how her motivation and perspective on track has changed from when she was competing at a very young age to now.
Q: What is your favorite sport and if you could change one thing about your favorite sport, what would it be?
A: I think it goes without saying that my favorite sport to participate in is running. In track and field, there are events for every type of athlete, and I would love to see a greater understanding that track is more than just running.
Q: If you could eat any food in the world right now, what would it be?
A: Probably some sort of pasta or ice cream!
Q: What is your ideal vacation spot?
A: I love hiking and visiting family in Vermont as well as spending time on the beach at the Outer Banks.
Q: Is there anything you wish we would have asked you? If so, what is the question/answer?
A: The only thing I’d love to share that wasn’t included in previous questions is that my favorite event in track is the 300m hurdles. However, I love trying new things and have found a love for a wide range of events both on and off the track. I’m looking forward to continuing to explore my potential and broaden my list of events.
