Isabela Yumi Akabane

Windermere Prep junior runner Isabela Yumi Akabane had a hard time breaking 14 seconds in the 100-meter run when she first started competing as a runner. These days, Akabane’s best time is 13.6 seconds, and she aspires to break 13 seconds before the end of the season. Head track and field coach Devin Bennett said Akabane “is a phenomenal multi-sport athlete and our top female sprinter at WPS. Her personality, commitment and work ethic help to drive our girls’ team forward. Isabela also represents our residential student body well and serves as (a) role model to her teammates. The sky’s the limit for Isabela!”

Talk to us about your years as a track runner?

I started out sophomore year, because I tried doing soccer instead of weights — I was between the both of them — (and) the coach talked to me about track, because I was fast.

I thought maybe it wasn’t a bad idea, so I started doing track, and I loved it.

What do you love most about track as a sport?

I really love all the friends that I’ve made there, and I love to get excited to really see my improvement. … You are racing yourself (in track) and trying to just be the best version of yourself.

What has track and field taught you not only on the track but also off it?

Track was the first sport I fell deeply involved in here. I came as an international student from Brazil, and I didn’t really get involved in any sports in Brazil, because it’s not a thing. So, it kind of taught me the values of being an athlete and how important it actually is to have (a sport) be a part of your life.

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?

I would say that having a leadership position this year specifically it’s something I have to do much more because we have a lot of underclassmen. … So it’s really important to always encourage them and teach them … and always try to motivate them so they feel confident.

What do you love most about your track team?

I really like our coaches and the people. That’s what makes this place unique — the special relationship we have with all the staff.

What would you like to study in college?