Track athlete, senior Liberty (Liby) Quast who is also committed to run track at the University of Minnesota, is admired by her teammates and coaches. Liby is a two sport varsity athlete who is also highly competitive in gymnastics. She is the recipient of this year’s Athena Award.

The Athena Award is given to a senior female who has shown outstanding athleticism in one or more sports. Participating high schools in Minnesota select one representative who demonstrates excellence in her athletics.  

“I was very surprised, because there’s a lot of really great athletes at our school, but I was just very proud of myself,” Quast said. 

Additionally, the track team recently won True Team Sections for the first time. They move on to compete in True Team State on May 16.

When asked what moment Liby is the most proud of she says “our team making it to True Team State. True Team Sections has always been a favorite memory of mine, and making it to True Team State with my team and best friends, especially my senior year, was just cherry on top,” as she finishes out the home stretch of high school Quast said.

Also, Quast’s leadership qualities will be the legacy she leaves behind. Her commitment and her drive for excellence has made a lasting impact on her team.

“I think she’s become a lot better at using her voice. She has quiet confidence, which is fine, but she’s become a better leader in terms of using her voice, and has been good at encouraging her teammates too,” business education teacher and track coach Travis Birklid said.

Quast is looked up to on the track and for the example she sets for others. She is not just limited by her success on the track, she excels in the classroom, utilizing her dedication and desire to be the best just as she does when she competes in gymnastics too.

“I think everybody can see that she’s probably the most supportive teammate out there. She gets to know everybody’s names, she makes sure everyone feels included. She’s like such a shining light, like she makes everyone feel better, even if they’re having a bad day, even if she’s having a bad day, she makes people feel better,” Quast’s friend senior Katie Fischer said. 

Quast has a way of elevating those around her pushing both teammates and even coaches to use creativity to ensure success. This inspires everyone around her to work to their full potential. She leads by example, supports and encourages teammates, accepts coaching strategies and inspires confidence everyday.

Because of her natural talent, it can be harder to coach Quast. She pushes her coaches to be better Birklid said.

As the track team looks ahead to the True Team State for the first time, they will no doubt be looking towards Liby for her leadership and skills. As she heads off to the University of Minnesota to continue running track in the fall, her leadership, positive mindset, competitiveness and determination will leave a lasting legacy on the track team.