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Nashua PAL's 2026 Cross Country Female Runner of the Year
Congratulations to Angelina Rodriguez, age 13, an exceptional athlete at Saint Christopher Academy, on being named Nashua PAL’s 2026 Female Cross Country Runner of the Year!
Angelina’s accomplishments on the course are impressive, but it’s the leadership, positivity, and determination she brings to her team that truly set her apart. PAL Coach Kristen Bechard describes Angelina as a “grounding force for her teammates and a mentor to younger runners” whose positive energy shines through even under pressure and in the toughest weather conditions. A team captain for both Saint Christopher Academy and PAL, Angelina pairs her natural ability with a thoughtful approach to competition, arriving at every event with a plan and running smart, tactical races.
And that approach is producing remarkable results. Angelina currently ranks in the top twenty of all time at PAL in her age group! Angelina won five of seven meets this season, including the Catholic Schools Cross Country Invitational with a time of 13:32 – finishing 55 seconds ahead of the next runner – and the Tri-County Tournament. Since joining PAL in 2024 and placing fifth at her first Association Meet, Angelina has continued to improve and has earned a spot at the Junior Olympics each year.
Behind those accomplishments is a young athlete learning to believe in herself. “My parents and coaches have been the biggest support to me. They believed in me even when I was struggling to believe in myself.” Angelina says PAL has helped her improve as a runner while giving her something equally important: “It also allowed me to form long lasting friendships which I am so grateful for.” Now a captain and mentor herself, her advice to younger PAL athletes is to “trust your coaches because they know what will make you better.”
Angelina has big plans for where running could take her, sharing, “One of my biggest goals for the future is to get a full scholarship for running.” But despite her competitive drive, she hasn’t forgotten PAL Cross Country’s first rule: have fun. Away from running, Angelina enjoys baking and cooking with her mom, playing with her dog, and shopping.
Congratulations, Angelina, on being named Nashua PAL’s 2026 Female Cross Country Runner of the Year!