Notre Dame Track and Field 2024 Season Preview (CA)

The 2024 track and field season is fast approaching, and fans of the Notre Dame team are already buzzing with excitement to see what this team will bring to the table. To get a closer look at what we can expect from Notre Dame this year, we sat down with Coach Dustin Le for an exclusive preview of the team. Coach Le's overall goal for the team this year is to win the league and have 10 athletes qualify for CIF. But he knows that success is not just about winning, it's about the journey and the growth of his team. For Coach Le, the key to achieving this goal lies in his athletes' motivation, understanding their "why," and ultimately believing in themselves. Looking at the top returners for the team, Coach Le highlights two exceptional seniors, Narcisse Batantu and Deon Jordan. Batantu holds the school record in the long jump, a record that stood for an impressive 45 years. Jordan is one of the fastest sprinters in California and will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the team this year. On the women's side, sophomore Flor Castanon and junior Sara Sanchez are leading the team. Castanon competes in the 800 and 1600 meters, while Sanchez leads the 4x400 relay team and also competes in the 400 meters. What sets these four athletes apart is their exceptional focus and attention to detail, making them true standouts on the team. But Coach Le is not just relying on his top returners; he also has high hopes for some new team members. On the women's side, he expects Emalyssa Machuca and Sydney Cramer to make an immediate impact, while on the men's side, Diego Sanchez, Shad Carrasco, and Kaden Tennyson are expected to join the team and contribute significantly. When it comes to leadership, Coach Le looks for athletes who bring the team together, motivate each other, and pick each other up. For the 2024 season, his captains will be Sara Sanchez, Flor Castanon, Arely Arena, Deon Jordan, Narcisse Batantu, and Pablo Puma. These leaders will not only lead by example on the track but also foster a sense of camaraderie and unity within the team. Team chemistry is crucial for success, and Coach Le knows this. To build a strong bond among his athletes, he plans to have team bonding nights during their off weeks.