While some high school athletes partake in one sport per season, junior Samantha Singleton competes in two winter sports, track and gymnastics, and has been to states multiple times in both sports. This weekend, Singleton will compete at states in Columbus in the 100 meter dash 4×100 meter relay, 4×200 meter relay, and long jump attempting to bring home another state title.
Previously, in gymnastics, Singleton won first in vault her sophomore and junior year and third in the floor exercise her freshmen year. For indoor track, Singleton placed first in long jump her junior year. Singleton also earned the Comet of the Year award in May for exemplary academics, citizenship, motivation, leadership and service, as described by the SHS administration.
Simultaneously competing in gymnastics and indoor track results in back-to-back practices, little downtime and high intensity workouts. For Singleton, the drive to compete comes from a deep desire for growth.
“One thing that motivates me to keep training every day is the possibility of being great and accomplishing big things in my future,” Singleton said. “I have spent a lot of time training, and I love the feeling of progression and getting better.”
Balancing two sports at an elite level requires exceptional time management. When winter arrives, her athletic commitments collide, forcing her to manage two dense competitive calendars at once.
“Balancing two sports at a high level is difficult— I can’t lie,” Singleton said. “It gets to be a lot sometimes with school and going to two practices a day. It mostly just makes me very tired mentally and physically, but in the end, I know all of the hard work is going to a bigger cause.”
Track and field coach Brian Sabol, who has coached Singleton in track and field for three years, describes her as a “relentless” force. According to Sabol, Singleton possesses a rare combination of natural athleticism and an unmatched work ethic.
“She is never outworked by a teammate or a competitor,” Sabol said. “She has a unique gift of being able to reflect, refocus and use a difficulty or a setback to her advantage. She rarely lets anything down.”
During her sophomore year, a severe ankle sprain sidelined her at the start of both gymnastics and the indoor track seasons. Despite being unable to compete, Singleton made it a priority to attend every practice to support her teammates or undergo physical therapy.
“I try to remind myself that this one competition is not the end of the world and life will still go on no matter how I compete,” Singleton said. “I also always remind myself that as long as I tried my hardest and did the best that I could do for that day, it was a good day.”
Singleton’s teammates said that her impact is felt most in the locker room and on the sidelines. Junior Amelia Gallagher,who has been running track for three years, noted that Singleton is often the first person to congratulate others, regardless of her own performance.
“Sam brings a positive energy and can always make you laugh,” Gallagher said. “She makes workouts more fun and is always cheering others on. Sam makes me want to be a better runner and person by setting an amazing example.”
Sophomore Anya Dubinski, who has been running track for two years, has watched Singleton grow into a leader who balances competitive drive with humility.
“As good as she is, she is also one of the most humble people I know, and she’s always looking to improve in any aspect of her life,” Dubinsky said.
As Singleton looks toward the future, she expressed interest in continuing her track and gymnastics career at a collegiate level. She acknowledges that the “overlap” of two sports might be unrealistic in college.
For Sabol, Singleton’s legacy is defined by her role as a captain who could always be relied upon by the coaching staff and peers alike.
“Sam never gives up or gives in to anybody or anything,” Sabol said. “Her intrinsic motivation to be the best she can possibly be is amazing.”
