My name is Elena Mamminga, and I am a current junior at St. Francis High School College Prep in Wheaton, Illinois and will be graduating in the spring of 2027. I enjoy competing in the 3 miles for Cross Country (17:02), the 3200 meters (10:46), the 1600 meters (5:10), and the 800 meters (2:19) in track and field. In the 2024 track season, the St. Francis 4×800 team, including me, won the 2A State Championship Title and set a state record with a time of 9:12. During Cross Country 2025, individually I placed 8th at the State Finals with a time of 17:24 and led our team to 2nd overall. For this upcoming track season in 2026, my goals consist of running a 3200-meter time of 10:35 or less, running under 5:00 in the 1600 meters and sub-2:17 for 800 meters. I love being part of a team and competing and am looking forward to the upcoming season. In addition to running, a major emphasis in my life is academics and school. My weighted GPA is a 4.47, and I am beginning to study for the ACT.  

Running track and cross country has grown to be a very important part of my life and I love all that comes with these sports. The team aspect is my favorite, although I also enjoy the discipline, the well-organized routine, and the challenge it portrays on my mind and my body. Goals are a big part of my cross country and track experience and being given the ability and opportunities that help me achieve these goals, is very special to me. It is such a blessing to create goals with my teammates and encourage one another to accomplish our goals. It is especially fun when the goals are reached and celebrated. I am currently a part of the Captains and Chaplains program at school. It is an organization that helps students become leaders for their team and I am proud to have a role as a leader on the cross country and track teams. 

In addition to being an athlete in cross country, track, and gymnastics, I have several other interests and have gotten involved in several clubs. In the St Francis community, I am an active member of National Honors Society, Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Culinary Club, and Worship Team. Being a part of these clubs has shown me how to be a leader as well as a good role model for younger students. Some of the volunteer activities I have participated in that show leadership and commitment are coaching track and field at St. Michael’s Parish School in Wheaton and being a consistent member of Chaplestreet Church in Geneva teaching Sunday School. I have an enjoyment for music as well! My love for music began at a very young age through involvement in piano lessons, musicals, worship team at my church, and participating in band and choir. I have continued this love throughout high school, becoming a member of the highest choir, Spartan Singers. Lastly, I have a strong passion for being involved in my church and my faith. I attend church every Sunday with my family as well as the local Youth group on Sunday Nights. I have attended various Mission Trips over the summer and will be going to Ecuador to serve in the summer of 2026. I expect to bring these talents, experiences and life lessons with me in the future and apply them as a college athlete. 

I am ready to continue growing my passion as a student-athlete and am eager to reach my full potential. Confidently, I believe I can bring value to a program and am looking for the right fit for the team and for me. I look forward to many opportunities ahead! Thank you for your time and consideration. For more information, please email me at elenamamminga2027@gmail.com.