Jayla Antomachi

Shaler Area

Freshman
Events: Discus, Shot Put, & Javelin

When did you first become interested in track and field?
In seventh grade, I wanted to get more active in my spring season. My mom suggested that I start doing track and field. I agreed with her and that was where my journey started.

How do you prepare mentally for a competition?
On the ride there, I listen to pump-up music, and before I am up to throw, I say to myself, “You got this, do your thing.”

What is your favorite pre-competition meal or snack?
My favorite pre-competition snack would be peanut butter banana Cliff bars with a fruit punch or strawberry banana Body Armor.

What was the most challenging competition you have ever participated in?
The most competitive competition I have ever participated in would be the Pine-Richland Invitational.

What is your favorite track and field memory?
My favorite track and field memory would be at the seventh/ eighth grade Pine-Richland Invitational where I beat the discus record for the first time.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from participating in track and field?
I have learned many things, but Commitment and Self-Discipline would be the top two things I learned in track and field.

What is your goal as a track and field athlete?
My goal as a track and field athlete is to become well-known to inspire others who always wanted to throw well. I would also say another goal is to control my emotions and actions when dealing with failure.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start participating in track and field?
A piece of advice I would give to someone who wants to start participating in track and field would be to always be patient and always have a positive mindset. If you don’t have a positive mindset, you won’t do as well as you think.

What is your favorite track and field event to watch?
My favorite event to watch would be the 4x1. Everyone is so energized, and the intensity is crazy.

How do you recover after a competition?
One way I recover after a competition is to ice and use my massage gun.

PA Milesplit

Jayla is a shining example of talent, hard work, and determination. Her impressive qualification for the 2023 PTFCA Indoor State Championship in Shot Put is a testament to her unwavering focus and dedication. With her incredible ability to compete in all three throwing events, she has become a valuable contributor to her team, helping them score points in dual meets. Ranked 9th in the WPIAL AAA Girls and the #1 freshman in the WPIAL, Jayla is proving to be a rising female star to watch for in the next four years.