Superior grad Isabella Pereira leaps into collegiate track career

Track and field season is getting underway in western Montana, synonymous with spring snow showers and muddy jump pits. But for one former Superior Bobcat track star, the sprinting and jumping didn’t end after graduation; in fact, her track season runs all year round, both indoors and out.

Isabella Pereira, known as the “Flea” by her 4x1 relay team, is a sophomore at Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash. She is part of the Pirates’ track and field team. 

Pereira graduated from Superior in 2023 and is now double-majoring in mathematics and secondary education. 

She recalled, “I’ve been involved in track since fifth grade at Superior, making this my ninth year in the sport. My first event was the triple jump, which came naturally to me thanks to my background in gymnastics. I also started sprinting in fifth grade with the 100-meter and gradually expanded to events like the long jump, the 200-meter, and all the relays.”

Triple jump remains her favorite event. 

“It’s the one I train for every day and have consistently enjoyed throughout my entire track career," Pereira said. "It’s hard to say which event I’ve had the most success in since I approach each one with the same level of focus and determination. That said, I’ve had my strongest results in triple jump and have also competed at Nationals in sprinting.”

The track and field team at Whitworth is made up of 120 athletes, evenly split between men and women. 

Pereira explained, “We train daily for about two to three hours, with Sundays typically as our only rest day. I’ve recently wrapped up the indoor season and am now preparing for outdoor competitions. This past indoor season, I set new personal records in all my events, the 60-meter, 200-meter, long jump, and triple jump, and I’m currently ranked in the top five for each event in Whitworth’s indoor rankings.”

In college sports, D1, D2, and D3 refer to the three main divisions within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), each representing a different level of competition, scholarship opportunities, and emphasis on athletics versus academics.

With that in mind, Pereira noted, “College track has been a significant step up from high school, with much tougher competition. I compete against athletes from every level, D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and even professionals, which has pushed me to grow as an athlete.”  

She added, “Training is year-round with both indoor and outdoor seasons, and meets are much more formal and strictly regulated. Despite the challenges, the higher level of competition provides incredible opportunities for growth and success.”

Outdoor season just began for Pereira, and she has already set new personal records in both the triple and long jump.

“With five more meets until the Conference Championship, I’m currently ranked first in triple jump and third in long jump,100-meter, and 200-meter," she said. "I’m also currently ranked 17th nationally in the triple jump, but the rankings update weekly, and I’m focused on continuing to improve and climb higher.” 

Balancing academics as a student athlete and, more impressively, as a double major is demanding. 

However, Pereira stated, “I’ve learned to manage the workload and stay focused. After college, I plan to teach high school math while continuing my education to earn a master’s and a PhD. Even though I always joke about never running again after college, track has been such a significant part of my life that I can’t imagine walking away from it entirely. I’m confident I’ll find ways to stay active and connected to the sport.”

Pereira expressed, “Track and field is more than just a sport for me; it’s how I express myself. I love the competition, the adrenaline, and the challenge it brings. Track is an individual sport where I feel in control of my own performance, and that’s something I really value.” 

Last week, she received the All-Regions Honors for triple jump. Her next meet is on March 20 in Spokane. Pereira will continue to prepare and work towards the NCAA Division III Championship in late May in Ohio. 

She exclaimed, “I’m really excited about what’s ahead!”