Photo by: Nick Romei
Sophomore Summer: Bella Pietrasiewicz of Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field
7/18/2023 11:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country, Women's Track & Field, Athletics
Throughout the summer, DartmouthSports.com will be focusing on members of the Class of 2025 who are currently in their "Sophomore Summers" presented by the Norwich Inn.
This installment focuses on Bella Pietrasiewicz of the women's cross country and track & field programs.
DartmouthSports.com: What was it in the recruiting process that sold you on Dartmouth?
Bella Pietrasiewicz: Talking to people who were on the team and realizing how passionate they were about the school and their experience here. They seemed happy and very enthusiastic about how much they loved it and how much they grew into themselves while here. It seemed like they genuinely meant what they were saying, and it didn't feel like a sales pitch or something they were told they had to say.
DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
BP: My coaches from high school had major influences on my life. They showed me what kind of person and leader I want to be, and I saw their selflessness, compassion and determination every day to help others succeed and worked to reflect that in my own life. It was so inspiring to see them change so many lives, including mine, and I learned a lot from them over the years.
DS: What has been your best on-track memory thus far in your Dartmouth career?
BP: Racing at our indoor HEPS championship this past winter was my best memory so far in my Dartmouth career. I was injured and unable to compete the entire fall season so coming back to race after being out of that competitive environment for over 6 months was special within itself. On top of that though, HEPS (the Ivy League Championship) is the biggest meet we race each season, and since it was at home, tons of alumni and people from all over campus showed up to support. The turnout was incredible and there was so much energy and love in the crowd which made the experience so much greater. I could feel how much people cared and wanted us to do well from the moment I walked into Leverone. When our 4x800 team crossed the line, our whole team ran out onto the track. It was just so special and I'll remember the moments of that weekend for a very long time.
DS: How is Hanover different or similar to where you grew up?
BP: Hanover is more rural than where I grew up. While I lived in a small college town back home, I definitely enjoy the woodsy feel and how many outdoor activities there are in the area. Especially this summer, the river is a great spot to hang out and I'm so thankful we are so close to it. The farmers market and local swimming holes and waterfalls are also so awesome and definitely not something I had at home.
DS: What is your favorite food to eat the night before a race?
BP: Pasta and sweet potatoes are my favorite foods to eat pre-race. I love sweet potatoes anyways but they're also great for carbs before a big race.
DS: What is your favorite vacation spot?
BP: Alaska. I went there with my dad over the summer before coming to Dartmouth and it was so incredible and breathtaking. Everything was so untouched and beautiful and I definitely want to go again.
DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
BP: Find yourself outside of running and remember there is more to life than running. I think many athletes find a sense of identity in their sport, especially at the DI level when we work for four years to get recruited then compete for another four, but I think it's really important to find a sense of self outside of that identity and explore other parts of you that don't revolve around sports. Dartmouth is a great place to do that, but I wish my younger self would have heard that earlier and held onto other passions and little hobbies I used to do as a kid.
This installment focuses on Bella Pietrasiewicz of the women's cross country and track & field programs.
DartmouthSports.com: What was it in the recruiting process that sold you on Dartmouth?
Bella Pietrasiewicz: Talking to people who were on the team and realizing how passionate they were about the school and their experience here. They seemed happy and very enthusiastic about how much they loved it and how much they grew into themselves while here. It seemed like they genuinely meant what they were saying, and it didn't feel like a sales pitch or something they were told they had to say.
DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
BP: My coaches from high school had major influences on my life. They showed me what kind of person and leader I want to be, and I saw their selflessness, compassion and determination every day to help others succeed and worked to reflect that in my own life. It was so inspiring to see them change so many lives, including mine, and I learned a lot from them over the years.
DS: What has been your best on-track memory thus far in your Dartmouth career?
BP: Racing at our indoor HEPS championship this past winter was my best memory so far in my Dartmouth career. I was injured and unable to compete the entire fall season so coming back to race after being out of that competitive environment for over 6 months was special within itself. On top of that though, HEPS (the Ivy League Championship) is the biggest meet we race each season, and since it was at home, tons of alumni and people from all over campus showed up to support. The turnout was incredible and there was so much energy and love in the crowd which made the experience so much greater. I could feel how much people cared and wanted us to do well from the moment I walked into Leverone. When our 4x800 team crossed the line, our whole team ran out onto the track. It was just so special and I'll remember the moments of that weekend for a very long time.
DS: How is Hanover different or similar to where you grew up?
BP: Hanover is more rural than where I grew up. While I lived in a small college town back home, I definitely enjoy the woodsy feel and how many outdoor activities there are in the area. Especially this summer, the river is a great spot to hang out and I'm so thankful we are so close to it. The farmers market and local swimming holes and waterfalls are also so awesome and definitely not something I had at home.
DS: What is your favorite food to eat the night before a race?
BP: Pasta and sweet potatoes are my favorite foods to eat pre-race. I love sweet potatoes anyways but they're also great for carbs before a big race.
DS: What is your favorite vacation spot?
BP: Alaska. I went there with my dad over the summer before coming to Dartmouth and it was so incredible and breathtaking. Everything was so untouched and beautiful and I definitely want to go again.
DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
BP: Find yourself outside of running and remember there is more to life than running. I think many athletes find a sense of identity in their sport, especially at the DI level when we work for four years to get recruited then compete for another four, but I think it's really important to find a sense of self outside of that identity and explore other parts of you that don't revolve around sports. Dartmouth is a great place to do that, but I wish my younger self would have heard that earlier and held onto other passions and little hobbies I used to do as a kid.
Players Mentioned
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