Junior distance runner Anne Gallant has quickly become a key piece of the Westmoore High School girls cross country and track programs, even though she joined the Lady Jags a little later than most. She stepped into the sport as a sophomore and immediately found a home in the team’s tight-knit culture.

“I love the community we have at Westmoore. I joined cross country and track my sophomore year, and even though I didn’t start my freshman year like most people do, I immediately felt welcomed. All of the girls are so kind and supportive, and I’ve really loved getting closer to them this last year,” said Gallant.

Her path into running started at home. Gallant credits her older brother, James, with sparking her interest and showing her what it looks like to chase improvement day after day. She also draws motivation from her closest friend, Julianne Matousek, whose success and passion for the sport push Gallant to raise her own standards.

“I’m inspired by two people. My brother, James Gallant, inspired me to join cross country and track. Seeing him push himself and improve himself through running sparked my interest in the sport and he is ultimately the reason I joined cross country. I am also inspired by my closest friend, Julianne Matousek. Although she doesn’t go to Westmoore, watching her succeed and grow from afar has been truly moving. She has a drive and passion for the sport that is contagious.”

Along with running cross country and track, Gallant serves as treasurer for National Honor Society, balancing competitive athletics with academic and leadership responsibilities. She points to teammate Camryn Newton as another source of inspiration, admiring Newton’s commitment and improvement over the past year.

“A current teammate that has left an impression on me is Camryn Newton. She has such a deep drive and commitment to running that nothing can get in her way. Camryn has improved so much over this past year, and you can truly see her love for the sport in everything she does. Camryn has taught me that anything is possible and to never doubt yourself.”

Gallant said she leans on gratitude to reset her mindset during tough stretches and hard workouts, and she views her drive to improve as the strength of her running game. Looking ahead, she aspires to become a physical therapist after graduation, carrying the lessons from cross country and track into her future career.