Palisade Freshman, Audrie Cole, is this week’s Female Athlete of the Week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. A standout three-sport athlete, Cole competes in volleyball, basketball, and track. Despite being a freshman, Cole is no stranger to the sport, this marks her third year running and her first year on the varsity track team. Her dedication and passion for the sport are evident both on and off the field. “I was inspired to do track because it’s a great way to push yourself and grow as an athlete,” Cole shared.
That drive hasn’t gone unnoticed. Cole’s commitment to improvement has impressed both coaches and teammates alike. The head coach for the Palisade Track and Field team, Jill Reetz, is astonished by Cole’s first year performance as a freshman. The dedication and commitment that Cole has shown in such a short time has already made a noticeable impact on the team’s success and her personal growth.
“Audrie Cole has shown an incredible amount of grit, determination, and passion for track and field– qualities that are rare to see in a freshman. She is both mentally and physically strong, consistently putting in the hard work day after day. Her commitment is evident in her performance, earning a personal record in nearly every 400-meter race she has run this season. Audrie continually pushes herself to improve, embracing every challenge with honor to have her on our track team, and there is no doubt she will continue to be a valuable and irreplaceable part of our program. I am excited to see all that she will achieve over the next three years.”
Track and field is a sport Cole would love to continue in college if given the opportunity. However, if she had to choose just one, volleyball would be her top pick. Still, her passion for track runs deep. “My favorite thing about track is the team,” Cole shared. “It’s the best team environment I’ve ever experienced. For the sport itself, I love the 400.”
All with the help of her teammates, community, and coaches, Cole has more so been able to be a well rounded athlete. Cole states, “My biggest inspiration is Billie Schott. She was my coach in middle school. She taught me so many things about more than just sports, but life as well.” Cole also appreciates the support that Coach Reetz continues to provide. “I want to give a huge thank you to Coach Reetz! She is absolutely amazing and gets kids through the hard parts of the sport.”
Cole’s dedication and growth make her a standout athlete. Her strong performances and positive energy always makes a significant impact on the team. Congratulations, Audrie Cole, for receiving Athlete of the Week!
