Broad Run's Hartman Excels At Three Sports
When an athlete receives a high school varsity letter, it is one of the greatest feelings imaginable. It is proof that you were talented enough to make a varsity team, and that you contributed to the success of the season. Some people put their varsity letters in a safe place, and others have their letters sewn into a letter jacket. But, what do you do if you have more than one letter? For starters, you could ask Broad Run senior Stacy Hartman. She has accrued 10 varsity letters as one of Broad Run's most versatile athletes.
Half of her varsity letters are from cheerleading. Hartman was a member of the Spartan's competition cheerleading squad during the fall and also throughout her entire high school career. This season, the Broad Run cheerleading squad placed second in the VHSL cheerleading competition. Hartman earned another letter by bringing her spirit indoors for a season of cheerleading for the basketball team.
"I love to cheer because it makes me feel like I am a part of the atmosphere, while being involved with the fans at the same time."
During the winter season, Hartman showed her talent in gymnastics, a sport she has been playing her entire life. She competed in the beam, vault, bars, and floor competitions.
Where do the other four letters come from? Hartman's current and favorite sport, Lacrosse. She plays on the offensive side of the ball in the attack position. This year she was given the honor of being a senior captain, and is leading the Lady Spartan lacrosse team, who finished just shy of the state semifinals.
"Stacy has a great work ethic, and is a wonderful leader," said girls varsity lacrosse Coach Jen Melhuish.
Hartman is talented on the field, on the court, and on the sidelines. While practicing varsity sports year round, she maintains a 3.4 GPA, and has been working at the Buffalo Wing Factory for the past three years. In school, she is a member of The National Honor Society, and DECA (an association of marketing students). Besides the sports mentioned, Hartman has played soccer and cheered for Cheer Madness in the past. After her senior year is over, she plans on attending East Carolina University, and hopes to play club lacrosse.
Although Hartman is graduating in a few days, the Hartman name will continue to be used frequently around the Broad Run athletic office. Her younger sister Melanie is following in her footsteps. She was a member of the Junior Varsity fall cheerleading squad, and a member of Broad Run's Gymnastics team this past winter.
"I like being a role model for my sister. During the fall before her cheer tryouts I helped her with tumbling and moves. It makes me feel good knowing that I helped her out," said Stacy.
Some may wonder what it takes to be a good athlete. A good athlete is someone who is hardworking, talented, and focused. 10 letters on the varsity level in one career proves Stacy Hartman was all of those things and much more.
Hartman can add one more honor to her impressive resume. She is Broad Run's 2007 Gameday Magazine Athlete of the Year.
