Coach Celine Markert has joined the cross country and track team as head coach this year.

Her goal while coaching the teams is to make each individual both better at their sport and school in general. Markert strives to have her student athletes succeed not just in track, but as people, too. She wants to watch each individual grow and have their own successes.

“I want us to win districts, make it to area, regionals, and, hopefully, take a few athletes to state,” Markert said. 

Not only is this her first year coaching in the Houston area, but it is also her first year at a 6A school (a school with over 2100 students). To her, everything seems bigger and better. 

“I went from working at a 3A school to 6A,” Markert said. “Everything sort of tripled in size; it’s exciting to see what I have to work with.”

Markert is very passionate about coaching and is excited for what the athletes have to bring to the table.

“I saw an opening here at Stratford and I’ve only ever heard good things about the program,” Markert said. “I wanted to see if I can take it up a notch to see if we can be even b​​etter. So, I applied and got the job and can’t wait for the season to come.”

A new coach will bring new experiences and opportunities, and it’s very exciting for these athletes to see what this year will hold. 

“She brings in something that’s new, [it] almost feels refreshing in a way,” senior Justin Kaimann said. “It’s a change for sure and it is exciting for all of us, and Coach Markert knows what she wants and likes getting things done.” 

With new goals, coaches, workouts and opportunities, many Spartans are very excited to see how this year will play out.

The teams all have one main goal in mind: win districts and see how far they can push themselves.

Now all we have to do is wait and see how well our athletes do this year!