KENNEBUNK — The Kennebunk girls cross country team enjoyed a successful season, qualifying for the state meet as a team — and a big reason for that was the performance of senior Hannah D’Orso, who emerged as their top runner.
“I always call her a gamer and what I mean by that is the bigger meets is when she shows up the most … I’ve always called her a gamer and I’ve been saying that through indoor track, outdoor track every race. When it’s championship season, she’s always there to compete,” said Kennebunk head coach Jonathan Fulford.
D’Orso was pleased with her performance this year.
“This past season, I was hoping to get under 20 minutes for a (personal record) because I had never done that before in the 5k. I ended up winning three of my meets this season. I did get under 20 minutes. I got 19:31 which was really exciting,” said D’Orso. “At regionals I came in 17th place and individually qualified for states. At states, I came in 16th place which was exciting because I improved a little bit there. I qualified for New Englands. I went there and it was a really good experience, I’m really happy I went.”
D’Orso credits her success to the support she receives from her teammates, family and coaches.
“I had a few good friends that did cross country this year that hadn’t previously done it and having them there to hype me up for the races was really helpful,” said D’Orso. “I just want to thank my family and my friends and the coaches for everything they’ve done along the way.”
D’Orso’s role on the girls’ cross country team goes further than leading the way on the course — she is also a role model to her teammates.
“Hannah brings a lot of experience to the program. She’s raced probably more than anyone else in school history. She’s just raced a lot throughout her years. She’s very consistent and approachable. She’s been a great leader for us this year not necessarily by being vocal but by showing up and working hard every day,” said Fulford.
Fulford knows it will be difficult to find someone to fill D’Orso’s role.
“It’s going to be tough to lose her. We have a young group of girls that really fed off her this year. We’re hoping that they take what she’s given them and keep it going,” said Fulford.
D’Orso plans to continue her cross country career, but has yet to decide which school she’s going to attend.
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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