Olivia Owen, Katie Simoniello, Madison Stanley named captains for Seahawk track and field

NEWPORT, R.I. (December 12, 2019) - Salve Regina University head women's track and field coach Matt Hird has announced three seniors as captains for 2020 - Olivia Owen (Weymouth, Mass.), Katherine Simoniello (Killingworth, Conn.), Madison Stanley (Warwick, R.I.).

"The team has chosen three outstanding teammates to lead them this season," commented Hird. "They have all demonstrated exceptional athletic citizenship in addition to excelling athletically."

Owen is serving double duty as she also had been chosen captain of the women's cross country team. A two-time New England Division III Championship qualifier in the 10,000 meters, she ranks seventh all-time in that event for the Seahawks. "I have never seen Olivia run a bad race," remarked Hird. "She just keeps pushing whatever the circumstances. Last year she qualified for the New England Championships in a weak field and had to push the last five miles by herself, without any help. She is relentless."

Simoniello has been the mainstay of the throwing squad from her first semester. A discus specialist, she has been the Commonwealth Coast Conference champion in that event for the last three years and is looking to solidify her mastery this season. Katie also has the top shot put on the team and this year will pick up the hammer."

Throws coach Robyn McFetters has nothing but good things to say about Katie, "She is a wonderful combination of intensity, analytical ability and focus in the circle and joyfulness and fun away from it. What a great competitor and teammate."

In addition to her throwing ability, Katie is a trained singer and musician and a starter on Salve Regina's nationally third ranked women's rugby team.

Stanley has been a standout jumper and sprinter since she first stepped foot on campus. She is a three time New England Division III qualifier in the triple jump and has traded conference championships ships in that event with conference record holder and former teammate Erin Gunther.

As a sprinter Stanley has excelled as well. In her first year, she was the 100m and 200m conference champion and reclaimed the 200m title last spring. Madison has also run anchor on the last three conference champion 4x100m relays and contributed strong legs on the Seahawks similarly successful 4x400m quartets.

Coach Hird has nothing but praise for Stanley. "Maddie is a ferocious competitor. She will compete anytime, anywhere, and in any type of conditions. She is the first to practice and the last to leave. She is hugely invested in her events and is unsparing in her analysis of her efforts. At the same time she learns what she can, puts the past behind her and is always pushing to get better. I know she is looking for a big year this year." 

With a large incoming first year class leadership will be important and Coach Hird is supremely confident that this year's team is in great hands.