Demeo, Gunther, and Kopiec to lead the "Hird"

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Salve Regina University women's track and field head coach Matt Hird has announced that Alex Demeo (Burlington, Mass.), Erin Gunther (Sayesville, N.Y.), and Natalie Kopiec (Manchester, Conn.) will lead the Seahawks for the 2019 campaign.

Each of the new captains appear in the Salve Regina record book. Alex Demeo broke the school record in the 10,000m as a sophomore, recording 38:20.73 in an All-New England qualifying performance at the New England Championships. Natalie Kopiec also recorded a school best in the New England Championships, speeding over the 400m hurdles in 66.25. Erin Gunther leaped 36'9" in the triple jump last spring to eclipse the former mark held by her teammate Madison Stanley (Warwick, R.I.).

"All three of these women are really good athletes," remarked Hird. "Their ability as well as their dedication to training and doing all the little things inspires others. They epitomize the standards of behavior expected of Salve Regina track and field athletes and they do it without thinking. With them, it is second nature.

"However, as laudatory as these traits are, they are not why these three were elected captains. Every single ballot from their teammates indicated that the reason for their votes was the tremendously supportive nature of these student athletes. If not preparing for their own competitions, they are hanging around the track, circles or runways issuing streams of encouragement. They enjoy everyone's company and embody a culture of empathy, family and inclusiveness which spreads outward to include everyone and unconsciously create an empowering and high productive team culture. We are very fortunate to have these outstanding young women on our team."