Athletes of the Week: Lucy Gilchrist & Maddie Machado

Runners donning a capital “E” on their red tops speed over the last hill and launch into the home stretch amidst loud cheers from teammates, coaches and family gathered in the grassy fields. Among the first pack of varsity runners that lead the race is senior co-captain Maddie Machado, racing neck and neck alongside her teammates and two Deerfield runners for the finish line. Upon Machado crossing the finish line, just edging out Deerfield and setting a new personal record, senior and co-captain Lucy Gilchrist rushes over to congratulate her. The two co-captains embrace each other and their fellow teammates. Together, they celebrate the hard-earned victory.

Machado’s passion for the sport began with her middle school cross country team. She ran for two years prior to joining the Exeter team her prep fall. Upon arriving, she immediately knew that the team was where she belonged and her passion for cross country only grew from there. Machado explained, “From the very first practice, I felt like I was already a part of the team. Everyone was super excited to learn more about me and tell me all about life at Exeter.”

Having watched past captains guide the team through several successful seasons, Machado set high expectations for herself as a co-captain. “I’m really honored to be a co-captain with Lucy this season. We have a lot to live up to—we’ve had some amazing captains over the last few years,” Machado said. “Lucy and I really enjoy working together to live up to past traditions as well as add in our own ideas.”

Despite the responsibilities that come with being co-captain, Machado truly enjoys spending time with her teammates, both new and old, doing the sport she loves. “Cross country is definitely very challenging, but one of the best parts of my day is spending time with my teammates on the cross country trails,” she said.

For Gilchrist, her cross country career began a little differently. “I wanted to avoid Prep Spaz, and wanted to train for spring crew,” Gilchrist said. But even with the unconventional start, Gilchrist’s love for the team grew with the years. “The girls’ cross country team was my first home on campus. As a day student, it can be hard to break into the campus social scene, so I am definitely grateful for those runners my prep year who comprised my first Exeter family,” commented Gilchrist on her first experiences with the team.

Through the following year, with her growing passion and determination for the sport, Gilchrist made it a personal goal to continue giving to the team the same way she had seen all her previous captains do in the years past. Gilchrist explained, “I know that the captains—and really all of the upperclassmen—set the tone for the team. I want to show the new runners that love is synonymous with Exeter Girls’ Cross Country. The team has brought me so much fulfillment, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Even with an injury this season preventing Gilchrist from competing in her senior year, she has shown incredible resilience, having been able to endure and bounce back from every setback and challenge she’s been faced with. Upper Helen Lieberman credited teammate Gilchrist for her incredible work ethic and dedication to the team, saying, “Lucy is currently dealing with a hip injury, but she still rides her bike with us [on runs] and cheers us on in meets, and she continues cross-training. It really boosts team morale to have a captain that is always there to cheer us on.”

Both co-captains hold individual personality traits that help them lead the team through another outstanding cross country season. Head Coach Gwynneth Coogan described both co-captains as amazing athletes and model leaders. She stated, “Maddie is super organized and energetic [while] Lucy is dedicated, empathetic and fun. Their leadership is unprecedented in captains.”

Not only do they add an unstoppable energy and an incredible skill set to the team, but the two co-captains also take charge in ensuring all of their teammates are doing well in practices, races and everywhere in between. Senior Olivia Lazorik said, “Maddie and Lucy are two incredibly sweet and caring girls. They truly care about each girl on the team, from prep to four-year senior.”

Lieberman echoed Lazorik’s sentiments, saying “Maddie has a way of making you feel at ease; she is genuinely friendly to all the new people. [Meanwhile] Lucy is the type of person I know I can talk to and she’s going to genuinely listen. She gives the best advice and really cares about the well-being of everyone on the team.”

In addition, Machado and Gilchrist help foster a closer bond for the entire team outside of races and practices. Pisano explained, “They teach us how to build healthy relationships with all of the runners no matter their abilities or your own. This helps us stay connected with one another in our day-to-day lives at Exeter.”

In regards to this season’s stellar team, Machado expressed admiration and excitement for the new additions in particular, saying, “I’m really happy to see the energy that a lot of our younger members bring to the team. It’s good to see how talented and passionate our underclassmen are because I know that they will continue to make PEAGXC a fun and successful team in the future.”

For the remainder of the term, both co-captains will continue to serve their beloved team to the best of their abilities on and off the trails. “Maddie and Lucy have instilled an amazing atmosphere for our team. They bring positivity, diligence and a sense of camaraderie to every practice and race we have [and] always do what’s in the best interest for the team,” upper Gia Pisano said. “I wouldn’t want any other duo leading us this year.”