Carney Impacted BHS Girls’ Track Program

Sprinter to Compete at Trinity College

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer

Olivia Carney’s career in track at Bellingham High was not only dynamic, but it also was impactful.

The 18-year-old Carney, who’ll be competing for Trinity College next year, set three individual school records and was part of four relay teams that also set BHS records. 

Carney didn’t stop there. 

Olivia Carney was a member of Bellingham High’s long-jump relay team that set a school record.

The 5-foot-3 sprinter helped the Blackhawks’ outdoor squad go undefeated during the dual-meet season last spring, capturing the first Tri Valley League championship in the 46-year history of the girls’ program. She capped off her senior year by winning the TVL’s Small Division Most Valuable Player Award and won the 100-meter event at the Division 5 State Meet. 

“Olivia is hands down the best sprinter that Bellingham High has ever had,’’ said Peter LaCasse, the girls’ and boys’ outdoor coach. “She combines speed and outstanding power to compete at a high level. Our coaching staff believes she’ll have a lasting impact on the future of Bellingham High girls’ track.’’

Carney competed two years for the indoor team but was on the outdoor squad for a five-year stretch. She ran the 55-meter and the 300-meter events indoors. Her outdoor events included the 100 and 200-meter runs, the long jump and the 4x100-meter relay. She finished her senior year of outdoor track unbeaten in the TVL.

A senior captain on the outdoor team, Carney led by example and was very supportive of her teammates. “I was honored to be chosen and liked the responsibility,’’ she said.

A native of Philadelphia, Carney should have a bright future in Hartford, Conn., where she’ll compete for Trinity College.

“Finishing my final year at BHS was a bittersweet feeling,’’ Carney said. “I had great teammates and friends, but now I’m looking forward to a new chapter of my life. I’m excited about being part of a college program that has a good tradition, and I’m eager to see what I can do to add to the reputation Trinity has in track.’’

Carney’s reputation at BHS was impeccable. Her indoor records were 7.33 seconds for the 55-meter run and 1:51.03 for the 4x200 relay. Her outdoor records include 12.32 seconds for the 100; 25.54 seconds for the 200; 45 feet, 6 inches for the long-jump relay; 50.83 seconds for the 4x100 relay; and 1:48.34 for the 4x200 relay.

Seven records are no doubt meaningful and thrilling, but the personable Carney, who’s a team-first competitor, rates the girls first TVL championship as her top thrill. “That was special,’’ she noted. “Winning the 100 at the Division 5 state meet and being selected as the TVL’s Small Division MVP my last year were also enjoyable achievements.’’

Carney’s best meet was last spring’s TVL all-division competition that included both the large and small-division schools. BHS finished sixth out of 12 teams but topped all the small-division schools. “I won the 100 and 200-meter runs and our 4x100 relay team finished first,’’ she emphasized. “That enabled me to stay unbeaten in all our league events.’’

A finesse runner, Carney’s strengths are speed and quickness, a high track IQ and outstanding technical skills. “I also try to maintain my speed at a comfortable pace,’’ she said. “When I leave the blocks, I try to get into good position, but if need to improve it, I’ll turn on the speed and aim for the lead.’’

Carney’s favorite event was the 4x100 relay. “It’s less stressful and more enjoyable to be part of a group effort,’’ she offered. “It’s great, because it provides a real sense of a team effort.’’

Carney was always quick to praise her teammates at BHS. She cited four colleagues who were high caliber contributors. “Emanoela Barreto (400, hurdles, long jump and relay); Caleigh Hayes (400, hurdles); Emma Carroll (100, 200, triple jump and relay); and Calleigh Elder (javelin, 100 and relay) were outstanding in their events and played key roles,’’ she noted. 

Carney also lauded her two coaches — Lacasse and indoor coach Sam Cowell.

“Coach LaCasse is a great motivator who’s knowledgeable and who stresses a team-first approach,’’ she noted. “He’s vocal about his expectations, but he allowed us to set our personal goals. Coach Cowell creates a family bond. He’s amazing and very knowledgeable.’’

A TVL all-star both indoors and outdoors, Carney relies on an athletic philosophy that emphasizes a passionate competitive spirit. “Winning is important, but I love competing,’’ she said. “That’s what it’s all about.’’

She also respects the valuable life lessons she’s learned from sports. “I’ve learned how to be a good teammate and how to be a quality leader,’’ she said. “Competing in track has also helped me to be resilient and to be responsible and accountable.’’

Carney’s role model throughout her BHS career has been her mother (Dana). “She’s never missed a meet and she’s encouraging and supportive,’’ Carney offered.

During the summer, Carney has focused on improving her speed, endurance, intensity and technique leaving the blocks. She’s acutely aware that hard work will help create a smooth transition to Trinity. “I’ll be running and competing against opponents who are 20 or older,’’ she noted. “They’ll have an edge over me, so I’ve got to be ready. Strengthening my mental toughness will help.’’

“Olivia will blossom at the college level because of her natural talent and willingness to be coached,’’ LaCasse said.