The Woodbridge Middle School 2025-26 school year girls’ cross country team starts off strong with a win against Iselin for their first meet at Merrill Park. One eighth grade runner, Nathaly Grande, has some thoughts to share about running with the team on April 22.

Alexa Dachowicz: What is your name and how do you spell it?

Nathaly Grande: Nathaly Grande, N-A-T-H-A-L-Y, G-R-A-N-D-E.

AD: Okay. So, in cross country, how long did it take you to finish the race against Iselin?

NG: 16-something minutes.

AD: Nice. Did you feel comfortable running the mile and a half?

NG: Yeah.

AD: How did it feel to win against Iselin?

NG: I was really happy because I love seeing our team win and I think we did a really good job.

AD: How could you improve your time for the next race?

NG: I can definitely practice more and do some at-home stretches and hydrate better.

AD: Is there any advice you have for the people new to cross country? 

NG: Despite how hard it is and despite how you may think the practices are really hard, just go for it because its just really fun at the end.

AD: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

NG: I joined cross country for exercise, I 100% recommend.

AD: Okay, thank you for your time.