As Fall II indoor sports begin this year, we have not had a lot of action in the season in order to pick March’s Athlete of the Month. However, the girls’ volleyball team has started off strong with a slew of wins, boys’ and girls’ indoor track have had their first meets, and football has kicked off its season. Despite all the deserving athletes on those squads, our Athlete of the Month this month is senior track captain Michelle Mittaz. Mittaz ran at her first meet this Wednesday at DeFazio, kicking off the 2021 Indoor track season -- ironically, outside. She’s done all this after racing for, and leading, the girls cross country team in the Fall I season. Mittaz has been a leader on the running scene since she got her start with indoor track her ninth grade year. This season, she is the sole captain of the girls’ distance team, but has stepped up to the challenge. In exciting news, Mittaz will also be continuing her running career at Emory University going forward! As always, our Athlete of the Month has been asked some very serious questions in order for the Needham High School community to get a better sense of the Rocket running for us on the track.
What is your least favorite state?
My least favorite state is probably Alabama, but I’ve never been there so I don’t know why.
What is your favorite pizza topping(s)?
I’m a fan of pepperoni.
What is the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?
Hmmm, that is a tough question. Once I had a dream that I was the fourth chipmunk in the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. That was pretty weird.
If you could live at the North Pole or the South Pole which would you pick?
North! Santa!
What reality TV show would you want to be on?
The Amazing Race
Cafe Fresh or Bagels Best?
Cafe Fresh, but everyone who works at Bagels Best is soo nice.
What is your favorite bathroom in the high school?
The 700s one in the corner for sure.
What do you love about your team?
I love the team atmosphere. Everyone is so supportive of each other and wants their teammates to improve. Plus, everyone is just so kind. When you join the team you automatically make a ton of new friends.
How has running helped you?
I think running has helped me develop a strong work ethic and learn to not be so hard on myself.
How are you feeling (as the sole distance captain) leading the team into this indoor season?
It's a little lonely, but many other girls are stepping up to help lead warmups and stretches, so I often forget I am the only captain.