Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Annabella Cicilioni

The steeplechase was not an event Annabella Cicilioni had much familiarity with — none, in fact. She had never run it until the inaugural Under Armour Track and Field Nationals from May 29-31 at IMG Academy. But the rising junior at Sarasota High ultimately placed fifth in the 2,000-meter event with a time of 7:44.33. Cicilioni, who competes cross-country and track with the Sailors, is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

How was your experience competing at Under Armour Track and Field Nationals?

It was really interesting to be there for their first-ever meet. I thought a lot of the structure of it was really nice. It was all very high-level, and it was really nice to compete with people that are really fast.

Did you have any expectations for yourself entering the competition?

Not really, because I was training by myself, and running steeplechase was very unexpected for me. I didn't know I was doing it until the Thursday before. The meet director sent out an email to the accepted one-mile and two-mile athletes, and he said that not many people wanted to race (2,000-meter steeplechase), so if anyone wanted to do it, then they should just email him, and I did. On my packet pick-up day, I just went and practiced steeplechase for the first time.

What were your goals for this past season with Sarasota?

Definitely become really fast in the distance-based events, and help my team out in a (3,200-meter relay).

When and why did you start running track?

My brother, Orlando (Cicilioni), started running in middle school and then he became really good in high school. He ended up going to (the University of Florida) for running. My other brother, Grayson (Cicilioni), he started running too, so it's a family thing.

How would you describe the passion you have for running?

I love how, even though most people don't see it as a team sport, it really is. How you do kind of depends on how everyone around you is doing. Everyone is there to help you out, and everyone's uplifting.

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

"Pain is temporary."

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I play tuba. Most people wouldn't expect it because of my height. I've played since sixth grade. I was going to do trumpet, but after I tried out all the mouthpieces, my band director was like, "You should do tuba," so I did it.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

Parker Valby, because she just took a year off for her injury and she came back and had a huge 5K (personal best). It shows how far consistency and determination can take you.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

I'd go to Italy because it's really pretty. I'd just love to be there and eat all the food. 

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose and why?

Flight. I'd like to get everywhere faster.

What music helps you get in the zone while running?

We typically aren't allowed have music while we run at practice. We just talk to each other as a team, and I'd say that's what helps strengthen our bond and it ultimately affects how we do in our races. But if I had to do music, I'd probably do a mix of pop and alternative.

Finish this sentence. Annabella Cicilioni is...

Determined.