Student-Athlete Of The Month: Claire Kintzley

Severna Park Track And Field

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Severna Park High School athlete Claire Kintzley has continually raised her personal records for track and field events — especially the high, long and broad jump — since her freshmen year, but she also has become a mentor and leader for the cross country and track teams.

“Claire is a great kid, hard worker and is extremely focused on how she can help her teammates,” said Severna Park High School track and field coach Josh Alcombright.

Kintzley was voted captain of the cross country team as a sophomore and captain of the indoor team as a junior.

“She is wise beyond her years and is a great role model for her teammates, and she also comes from a great family,” Alcombright said.

Kintzley started track and field in her freshmen year but had exposure to the sport due her older sisters’ involvement in track. She was also a teammate of her sister, Izzy, who was also a standout at Severna Park.

“I always went to my sisters’ meets and I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Kintzley said. “I was so impressed by how everyone supported each other and thought it be a great way to meet new friends as I entered high school.”

Kintzley quickly adapted to the rigors of track and field. During her freshman year, she participated in the national high school meet in Greensboro, North Carolina, running in the 4x400 relay with her sister Izzy and Emily Knight.

“Claire is a talented and versatile athlete and has run middle distance for us as well as led us in the long, broad and triple jumps,” Alcombright said. “I count on Claire’s leadership skills to help us carry out the workouts and spread the messages to the team. She has a bright future in the pentathlon and heptathlon events.”

Kintzley’s latest accomplishments are placing 10th in the high jump in the 2020 state championships and placing third in the triple jump and fifth in the high jump in the 2020 county championship.

“Running is a good release for me and I really enjoy being with my teammates,” Kintzley said.

She refers to her teammates as her community and they have built strong bonds over the years. Kintzley credits her success to the camaraderie she has with teammates and friends.

Since the pandemic, it has been difficult to hold practices and maintain these bonds, but Kintzley and the coaches have used Google Meet and other platforms to plan their workouts. Kintzley hopes they have their spring season and compete in the meets.

“I have enjoyed teaching the younger athletes and being a role model as I have had great mentors since my freshman year, including my sister,” Kintzley said. “We have over 100 athletes, and the coaches have needed me to demonstrate techniques and workouts.”

Kintzley carries a 4.55 GPA and has tutored elementary and middle school students as she is also a “mathlete.” She is involved with Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church and volunteers each summer for Habitat for Humanity, spending up to 10 days helping the less fortunate with their housing needs.

To further demonstrate her strong work ethic, Kintzley is taking classes at Anne Arundel Community College to help with the transition to college academics. She plans to attend the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, and study computer science.

In partnership with The Matt Wyble Team of Century 21, the Voice’s Student-Athlete of the Month series recognizes the many student-athletes in our area who make an impact not necessarily by way of statistics or stardom, but by their unique contributions. Contact Zach Sparks at zach@severnaparkvoice.com to nominate a young person in our community making a positive impact through sports.

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