Have you ever made a nonverbal statement? Have your actions ever been so strong that no words are necessary? Freshman cross-country runner Gianna Bomarito has made multiple in her first year at Sonoma State, from record-breaking performances to numerous top five finishes. But, she will look to make her biggest statement of all at the NCAA Division 2 regional competition in Billings, Mont., on Nov. 19.

So how is Bomarito feeling going into the big competition? One might expect nerves, uncertainty, and all the other emotions that come with doing something for the first time. But Bomarito is feeling good prior to the big event. The freshman runner shared her thoughts, “Looking ahead at regionals, I feel mentally and physically ready, I have confidence in my training, and I know that what I’ve been doing these past few weeks have gotten me ready for this next upcoming meet.”

Bomarito has received a lot of advice that may have helped contribute to her confidence going into the big competition. She said her coaches and teammates have encouraged her to be in the moment and not overthink it, as this is only her first year.

Coach David Lawerence said that he tells Bomarito and all the other athletes that the approach for the big event is the same as all the other ones, “JUST RUN.”

Bomarito’s teammate Sophia Rodriguez shared some of the advice the team gave Bomartio, “We have told her that it’s important to compete as she has all season and trusts the training that coaches have provided us all season long. She’s done so well so far this XC season, and I’m confident she’ll continue that success at Regionals.”

Bomarito will look to add to what has already been a very impressive first season with the Seawolves at regionals. One of her most significant accomplishments thus far has been her record-breaking performance in the 6k event, with a time of 20:52.9 in early October. Doing so made her the first Seawolf in the program’s history to go under the twenty-one-minute mark. She notched one more performance in the event under that mark a few weeks later, going 20:59.90. Lawrence shared his thoughts on the record-breaking performance, “Records are made to be broken, and if she continues to work hard, a lot more will disappear. Her work ethic and character is what we embrace as a staff.”

The team has responded well to the hot start for Bomarito. In September, Lawerence said that there is no drama or jealousy on his teams and that it is like a sisterhood. Rodriguez echoed that sentiment, “We embrace Gianna and her success. We are proud of her accomplishments and celebrate her breaking the school record. The whole team knows how much time and dedication it takes to rise to such an elite level.”

The records speak for themselves. Bomarito has made her statements through her performances this season. All the success has put her name in many headlines. When asked about her thoughts regarding the attention, she said that it has given her confidence and that she is glad running is getting some coverage. Rodriguez noted that Bomarito is deserving of all the accolades and positive attention.