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05/13/2021 12:00 AMPriscilla Gumkowski was an avid sports fan while growing up in Old Saybrook, and the two sports that stuck with her the most were basketball and track. Whether it was shooting a basketball or running as fast as she could outside, Priscilla enjoyed being active.
Now, Priscilla is a senior at Old Saybrook High School who has carved out a nice career on both the court and the track with the Rams. Priscilla is set to play basketball at Mitchell College in New London next winter, but right now, she’s focused on finishing her track and field experience on a high note this spring.
“I run the 100 and the 4x100, and I also compete in the high jump and pole vault. This has been my sport since 8th grade, and my mom got me into it because she also competed in track,” Priscilla says. “I’ve also played basketball for most of my life. Going into middle school, track was my second sport, and it was really fun. I enjoyed that it was individual events, and it made me motivated to work harder.”
As a freshman, Priscilla felt a little intimidated while trying out for Old Saybrook’s athletic teams, because she didn’t know exactly what to expect. However, after joining the basketball team, Priscilla quickly realized that it was going to be a positive experience.
“Joining the high school basketball team was the best experience for me. I made friends that I will carry on in my life and never forget the moments we had together,” says Priscilla. “My basketball coach [Steve Woods] has always supported me throughout my four years of playing basketball. Coach Woods really loved the game, and I really liked how much he wanted us to succeed in life and always expected us to reach higher. My heart will always be with basketball.”
As for Priscilla’s track career, she has made significant progress during her time competing for Old Saybrook, according to Rams’ Head Coach Pete Capezzone. In the 2021 spring season, Priscilla has recorded personal-best marks in the 100-meter dash, the high jump, and her leg of the 4x100 relay. Capezzone named Priscilla one of Old Saybrook’s captains for the season.
“Priscilla has really progressed this season with both her athleticism and her leadership. She recently took up the pole vault and shown great promise there, as well,” Capezzone says. “Priscilla is extremely helpful with the younger athletes on the team. She helps the other athletes with tips on preparing, warming up, and competing.”
Priscilla credits Coach Capezzone for helping her become the best version on herself on both the track and in the classroom. Priscilla says that Capezzone holds all of the Rams’ athletes to the highest academic standards.
“Over time, I had an amazing experience meeting new friends and being motivated by my coaches on the track team,” says Priscilla. “Coach Cap has always encouraged me to be the best. Cap would always make sure his team had good grades and also put the time in on the track.”
Priscilla’s favorite event is the high jump, and she’s looking to post a personal-record performance in the event this spring. Priscilla’s current best is a 4-10, but she’s hoping to clear 5 feet and then some by the end of the year.
“I loved doing sprints, but my high jump is my main focus right now,” Priscilla says. “My current high jump PR is 4-10, but my goal this year is 5-2.”
Above all, Priscilla feels grateful that Old Saybrook is competing again after the 2020 track season was canceled due to COVID-19. Priscilla and the Rams are making up for lost time and want to continue their success through the rest of this season.
“Unfortunately, because of this pandemic, it was very hard to see people,” says Priscilla. “But it was great to get back together as a team and, overall, I am very happy to be back on the track.”