Patriots Girls Track Head Coach has high hopes for 2023 season

By Dom Nicastro

The Revere High School Patriots girls cross-country team, under the leadership of Coach Katie Sinnott, has seen a variety of seasons since she took the helm around 2003. Sinnott, who began her running journey post-college and has since participated in numerous marathons and local races, brings a wealth of experience to the team.

We caught up with Sinnott for a comprehensive look into her coaching philosophy, her insights into the team’s dynamics and the aspirations for the forthcoming season. Coach Sinnott enters this season in a three-decade career coaching the Patriots and having plenty of running experience. She didn’t run cross-country in high school but got into running post college.

“I found I really enjoyed it and wanted to share the ways in which running can be beneficial,” Sinnott said. “I’ve run about 20 marathons, 15 Bostons, lots of half marathons and other local races.”

What keeps her coming back each fall? It’s the pride in seeing her student-athletes work hard, compete and strive to surpass personal running goals.

“The athletes on the team, plus the general supportive nature that cross-country brings,” Sinnott said when asked what inspires her to coach. “No matter if you are first or last, you have people rooting for you. There is nothing better than when a runner sets a goal and surpasses it. The accomplishments all of them meet over the season are really motivating for me to keep coming back.”

As for participation for the 2023 season, Sinnott said the team is an open book. Whoever wants to run and learn how to get better at running can run. “We are a very inclusive team and work with any runner who wants to stick with it,” the coach said.

Revere comes into 2023 with high hopes. Last year, returnee Olivia Rupp, now a sophomore, placed 10^th for freshmen girls. Rania Abdelhannane, Ashley Cabrera Rodriguez, Hiba El Bzyouy, Rocio Gonzalez Castillo, Stephanie Reyes, Yasmin Riazi and Daniela Santana Baez round out the roster.

The strengths of the team? The inclusivity and support all runners give one another. “We can also get better with depth,” Sinnott said, “having more runners clustered together to make a strong scoring pack of girls.”

Gonzalez Castillo, a four-year runner, is one of two captains. She brings energy, support and leadership. “She’s been with me for four years and has always been willing to do whatever is asked of her,” Sinnott said.

Riazi is the other captain, and she brings organization, support and inclusivity, according to Sinnott. “Olivia is always a threat on the course, so she’s one to watch,” Sinnott added. “Rocio will continue to run strong. It’s a little early to determine who else will be strong players, but I have a sense that some returning runners have made great improvements.”

What are the big team goals this fall? Consistent improvement, supporting all runners and enjoying the sport, according to Sinnott.

It’s evident that Coach Sinnott values inclusivity and support within the Revere Patriots girls cross-country team. Her approach prioritizes individual growth and team cohesion, ensuring that every runner, regardless of their skill level, feels integral to the team’s success. As they gear up for the upcoming season, the combination of Sinnott’s leadership, the team’s ethos and the potential of both new and returning runners sets the stage for a season of learning, growth and competition.

Revere opens up the season Wednesday, Sept. 13, against Somerville in a home meet at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation (4 p.m.). The Patriots go on the road for the next two – at Medford Monday, Sept. 18 (4 p.m.) at MacDonald Park and at Lynn Classical at Lynn Woods Thursday, Sept. 21 (4 p.m.).