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Nashua PAL’s 2025 Female Track & Field Athlete of the Year and Female Cross Country Runner of the Year 2025
Congratulations to Samantha Hill, age 15, an extraordinary student at Merrimack High School, on being named BOTH Nashua PAL’s 2025 Female Track & Field Athlete of the Year and Female Cross Country Runner of the Year 2025!
Nashua PAL’s Cross Country and Track & Field coaches wholeheartedly agreed that Samantha Hill is the deserving awardee for both awards. Samantha began her PAL journey with Cross Country in the fall of 2022 while attending Merrimack Middle School. In spring 2023, she expanded into Track & Field as a middle- to long-distance runner and long jumper. Her dedication to her team, leadership with younger athletes, unwavering sportsmanship, and determination to grow as an athlete are truly unmatched.
In her first season of Cross Country, Samantha didn’t advance past the Association Meet, but she had fallen in love with the sport. She knew she had found her people and made it her mission to return stronger the following year. She committed to weekly road runs, and the hard work paid off. In 2023, she earned a spot on the PAL U13–14 Girls’ A Team, sailed through the Association Meet, crushed Regionals, and advanced to Nationals – all while setting a new personal record at every race.
Samantha’s grit was tested again in 2024 when she ran at Regionals just days after being cleared from walking pneumonia to ensure her 5K team advanced to Nationals. Her perseverance and team-first mindset embody the very best of PAL athletics.
On the track, Samantha has proven herself to be a versatile competitor. During the 2025 Track & Field season, she qualified for Regionals in multiple relay events – including the 4×100, 4×400, and most recently the 4×800 – as well as solo events such as the 800m, 1500m, and 3000m. Her persistence and improvement in long jump, one of the most technical events, highlight her dedication and athleticism. She has now competed at Regionals in back-to-back seasons, continuing to achieve new personal records along the way.
Equally impressive is Samantha’s commitment to mentoring younger athletes. Coach Kristen Bechard said, “As a coach, what stands out to me most about Samantha is not just her performance, but her heart. She knows the younger athletes by name, stays to cheer for their races, and offers words of encouragement. Those small acts of kindness, along with the way she models where hard work and determination can take you, are just as important to recognize as our top finishes.” Outside of athletics, Samantha is an honor roll student at Merrimack High School, plays percussion in the MHS band, and enjoys cooking.
Congratulations, Samantha, on being named Nashua PAL’s 2025 Female Track & Field Athlete of the Year AND Female Cross Country Runner of the Year!