Naomi Hahn

Today’s senior is Naomi Hahn of the Warren track and field team:

Parents: Kenneth and Lori Hahn

Spring sport: Track and Field

Events: 4x800m, 1600m, 3200m, 4x400m

Coaches: Kevin and Elizabeth Dustin

Other sports: Cross Country

Favorite sports memories: My two favorite track memories are the times that I was a District 10 champion (1600m and 4x800m). The first time I was able to qualify for states, I went my sophomore year in the 1600m. It felt surreal.

Last spring when our 4x800m qualified for states, I was happy to enjoy the extra time I got to spend with my teammates Bri and Katie.

Favorite thing about being involved in sports: The best part about being involved in sports is the community that you find in it. At the end of the day, your teammates will be your rock and your competition will be your friend. You can’t find that anywhere else, it’s a special kind of connection.

What will you miss most about high school sports?: I’ll miss running at War Memorial. I’ll miss the endless practices I had there, getting turf all over our clothes (and in our cars!), Coach Kev’s yearly 200m challenge in practice, and racing on our home track. But most of all, I’ll miss my friends, because those memories are amazing because I had them there with me.

What has living through this crisis taught you?: This crisis has taught me to appreciate the “expected” things in life like prom, graduation, and spring sports, because it’s crazy how fast you can lose those privileges.

If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be to Morocco! The culture there is fascinating and I plan to minor in Arabic. Hopefully, one day I can study abroad there!

Cats or dogs?: I love cats and dogs equally, it’d be impossible to choose between two loving animals.

Hobbies: My favorite hobbies are biking, hiking, kayaking, and running!

Favorite social media platform?: Instagram

One artist on repeat?: I could never pick any one artist, but anytime I’m listening to country I’m in my happy place.

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?: People would be surprised to know I collect pint glasses of places I’ve been to. I have 44 and counting!

What is the best piece of advice that someone has given you?: The best piece of advice that has been given to me is to never turn around when I’m racing. It’s time wasted, and you’ll always sprint in faster if you’re scared. Oh, and one time Coach Kev told me to stick my key fob under my chin to lock my car from far distances. On a serious note, I would not have become the runner that I am today without Kevin and Elizabeth’s guidance, tips, donuts, and training.

Plans after graduation: After graduation, I plan to attend Virginia Military Institute. I will be working towards a major in International Studies with dual minors in Arabic and Rhetoric and Writing. While there, I will be a member of their track and cross country teams. I plan to commission into the USMC as a Public Affairs Officer.

Message to underclassmen: “Ductus Exemplo,” a Marine Corps slogan that means “lead by example.”