Student Spotlight | Anna DiSorbo ’22

November 9, 2018

“Anna combines a great work ethic with an instinctual feel for running each race. She knows exactly when to run hard and make her move,” says Cate Cross Country Coach Karl Weis. Anna DiSorbo, a freshman from Las Vegas has already made her mark on cross country history on the Mesa, setting records in her first year with the running Rams. Anna says she was used to one-mile runs, usually on flat courses back home. She credits swimming with giving her the endurance to run cross county’s three on particularly hilly courses. At this point in the postseason Anna is competing alone as she qualified for individual time in CIFss. She says,” Running as a team is more fun because you can stick with your teammates and then push each other. During races we kind of plan before – if I run faster you’re going to catch up to me and push each other to go faster. When her season does come to an end Anna decided on Surfing for her winter sport, “to try something new.”

Anna’s advisor Gwendolyn Pierce says, “Anna is a spritely dynamo who takes big gulps out of life. Positive by nature, she’s never met a challenge she hasn’t welcomed or overcome,” which is interesting considering Anna’s favorite courses this trimester. She admits that math and science aren’t her strong suits but has been enjoying the challenge from Geometry and Physics. Her geometry teacher Gary Pierce says, “Anna’s work in Geometry is impressive. She works hard to answer every question thoughtfully and if by chance she misses a problem, she is quick to correct her own mistakes. She has the concentration, persistence, and ability to be very successful mathematically.”

As for her life off the course and out of the classroom Anna says she’s really enjoyed living in the dorms. She has great things to say about senior prefects, Kate, Jennifer, Sarah, and Avalon as well as the weekly dorm meetings in ‘25 House.

Last year Anna and her family researched boarding schools around the country but felt that a West Coast school would suit her better. “I just really, really liked Cate. I came to Revisit Day and then I decided.” During her first trimester on the Mesa, Anna says she transitioned easily. “I wasn’t really homesick, like I know some people were. I’m pretty nervous when I first come to schools and then after a while a become more myself.” She says, “I’m really happy and I don’t really want to leave.”

Favorite dining hall recipe: “I love it when they have arugula – I take arugula, parmesan cheese, and balsamic. I had it today – so good!”

Advice for incoming students: “Don’t be nervous – there’s no reason to be!”