Reece Schachne ’16 has been competing in javelin for over three seasons on the Staples High School girls’ track and field team, her commitment and focus are the keys to her success on the field.

Standing at 6’1’’ and with a personal best throw of 127’ 2”, Schachne has made it to New England Championships and New Balance Outdoor Nationals, among other invitationals throughout her high school career.

“I tried [javelin] at one random dual meet freshman year,” Schachne said. “It was really late into the season, so I couldn’t really progress much, but I really liked it and I started working on it a little bit over the summer so that I would be able to excel at it my sophomore season in the spring.”

Since Schachne commits close to 20 hours a week to javelin and is a captain of the track team, balancing school work can be a challenge. “I get home from practice and, depending on the day, it’s 5:15 and I have to shower and eat dinner, so I’m not starting my work until pretty late at night. I also train with an outside coach every Sunday during season, so I’m technically training seven days a week.”

Girls’ track and field co-captain Angie Parmar ’16, linked Schachne’s success to her dedication. “Reece is a hard worker…her strong work ethic sets a good example for the younger girls on the team, and she truly deserves all of her accomplishments.”

Ever since Schachne picked up a javelin, she’s been fully committed to the sport. “At the end of my junior season, I wasn’t too happy with where my mark was at—how far I had thrown—so I extended it through the summer and competed in a bunch of [USA track and field] and Junior Olympic meets,” she said. “I ended my summer season in Jacksonville at Junior Olympic Nationals.”

Girls’ track and field coach Jesse McCray commends her success. “She’s had an outstanding career here. Very physically gifted and has done what it takes to be the best by making sacrifices to improve her skill.”

Once Schachne competes in her last meet as a Staples student, her days as a javelin thrower will be brought to another level. She will be attending Princeton University where she will be on their track and field team, throwing javelin.

Schachne has high expectations for herself for finishing with a strong final season as a Staples javelin thrower. “This season I’m looking to excel at my best possible level, definitely looking to get the school record, I think that that’s definitely within my range, and hopefully be All State and All New England.”

Schachne is a key part of the team and must have a good season  in order for Staples  to succeed in the playoffs.

“[Her goals] are definitely attainable,” McCray said, “If she has a great year, we’re gonna have a great year.”