Freshman track star is just getting started

Published March 15, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—In just two seasons as a Melrose High School athlete, freshman Charlotte Tysall has given the MA high school running world notice.

The track and field (and cross country) star has already become an All Conference runner for Melrose High, and on Saturday, March 9, Tysall competed in the 2019 New Balance National High School Indoor Track meet at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory in New York City. She competed in the one mile among more than 3,500 of the country’s best track and field student-athletes from 40+ states and Canadian provinces.

Tysall had qualified for the 1 mile during her performance at the Middlesex League Meet in February with a qualifying time of 5:18. 

FRESHMAN CHARLOTTE Tysall wrapped up a phenomenal first year in indoor track with an appearance at the U.S. Nationals. She is pictured with coaches Shannon Kane and Elizabeth Clancy. (courtesy photo)

According to her Melrose High indoor track coach, Shannon Kane, Charlotte has achieved what few have in such a short time. “Charlotte set her mind to qualifying right before league and did it, we were all so proud.” 

Tysall spoke of her trip to Nationals. “It was a cool experience, and awesome to be part of such a talented group of people. I was extremely nervous, but it helped to have my coaches and family there. I really appreciated them coming all the way to New York.”

Indeed, the cheering section was loud as Coach Kane and fellow coach Elizabeth Clancy were on hand to watch their student athlete compete. 

On Saturday, Tysall finished solidly a 5:23. “She’s never competed at such a high level and she knew coming in that the competition would be fierce,” says coach Kane. “But I told her this is just like any other race. She looked comfortable going in and knew what to do.” 

In preparing for Nationals, the freshman focused on a two-week training plan. “Coach Liz helped me create it. It consisted of longer runs, repeat workouts and tempo runs with some time in the weight room. Some practices were just me, Liz and Coach Kane and some days, other girls from the team came to practice with me, which was fun.”

With the winter season behind her, the All-Conference runner will compete in Spring track too, and is already aiming to establish a new personal record in the mile. “I’m also excited for the distance medley relay team this spring. The spring team overall has tons of potential so I’m excited to see how people do.”

As she winds down her freshman year, it’s clear that there will be many more medals in this runner’s future. Says her coach, “It’s been fun watching her really learn how to race. This is just the beginning. Watch out.”