Runner to Watch: Jessica Bonilla

Competitors only notice her set  of signature long, curly braids as she passes them and sprints down the track. As a strong runner and helpful teammate, Jessica Bonilla (’15) helps set the pace for the Cross Country team. If you have to place a bet, place one on Bonilla. Seeing her run is like watching a car race by; both leave you with only a gust of air and a shocked expression.Bonilla’s passion for Cross Country stems from her love of running. She loves the way it makes her feel, free and relieved of all stress.“When I first joined, I had no idea that I was capable of being a runner,” Bonilla said. “I didn’t know I could ever run like this; I not only surprised myself but my parents as well.”Bonilla began running on the Cross Country team as a sophomore and immediately established herself as a determined athlete.“My first impression of her has remained — she is a tough determined girl [who] never gives up,” Cross Country coach Tania Fischer said. “She is very important to the team since she brings her smile to every practice and gives it her all. [Bonilla] is very hard on herself, but is the first to compliment others.”According to Bonilla’s friend Lauren Rosenquist (’16), Bonilla is always talking about cross country.“I once asked her how far she could go before giving up, and she said to me straight-faced, ‘I don’t think I would ever stop,’” Rosenquist said. “I’m pretty sure she thinks of the track as her second home.”While Bonilla definitely has natural talent, what makes her a name to remember is her work ethic: she never stops running. Countless times, she has run while being injured.“When she first started she had shin splits, [but] she would not give up and take a day off, which lead to a more serious injury,” Fischer said.Bonilla is more than just a top runner and key player to the team. She’s an inspiration and leader, shouting encouragement to them during races, pushing them to run faster.“She knows what to say if you are nervous and is a huge help to you even when she’s racing against you,” Kasia Krzyzanowski (’16) said. “When she signals for me to catch up to her during a race or a workout, she makes me want [to be faster] and be up ahead with her.”According to Fischer, Bonilla has improved tremendously from the girl who ran with shin splits during sophomore year.“She is improving everyday,” Fischer said. “She will be one of our fastest runners by the end of the season and she motivates us at all times.”