With the spring sports season canceled at its very beginning (or before it even started, for some Union teams) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UnionAthletics.com will spend the next few months spotlighting many of the Union seniors whose athletic careers came to a premature end. Previous senior profiles can be viewed by heading to http://www.unionathletics.com/seniorspotlights.
 
Abby Valachovic spent four years with the Union indoor and outdoor track teams and three years with the cross country team, missing only one season in order to study abroad. She posted the second-best 6K time of her career in her final cross country race at the NCAA Atlantic Region Championships in November and ran primarily the 3,000 meters during the indoor season, recording her top time of the year at the Middlebury Invitational in January.
 
In addition to her time with the cross country and track teams, Valachovic is president of the Pre-Health Society at Union.
 
What has been your favorite moment as a student-athlete at Union?
My favorite moment as a student-athlete at Union has been seeing the energy brought by my fellow teammates to every meet and race. I would argue that your teammates and the support from them and coaches are just as important as your training regimens. They are the ones that will make you successful. 
 
How has being a student-athlete at Union benefited you over the last four years?
It has shaped my four years at Union in ways that I cannot even begin to explain in writing. My teammates were the first people I met going into Union and will be some of the hardest people to say goodbye to. They gave me a sense of security and family at Union and will truly be remembered. They will always be in my life and have taught me the value of hard work and dedication that I can use in my future endeavors.
 
What has been your most meaningful experience outside of athletics?
My most meaningful experience outside of athletics was probably living off campus with my senior friends this year. It has given me a sense of independence as well as responsibility. I have a deep appreciation for all of my close friends and wouldn't trade that experience for anything. I am very thankful Union gave me this opportunity and would recommend it to anyone. 
 
Who was/is your favorite professor at Union and why?
My favorite professor at Union would be Professor Scott Kirkton [Associate Professor of Biological Sciences]. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to him. He has been not only a mentor in my research and thesis work but one I go to for any questions I may have. He has helped me dive into research while also allowing me to learn and prosper as an individual. He has helped me with graduate school and applications, and I know he will be a lifelong connection. He is an amazing person all around – he teaches labs, lectures, thesis students, while having two daughters and a wife at home. He is an incredibly smart person and everyone should have the chance to know him. 
 
Do you have plans for post-graduation yet?  If so, what are they?
At this moment, I have not decided on a graduate program, but I will be pursuing a graduate degree in the field of biological conservation and ecology. I have been accepted into a few programs and have a few weeks now until I need to decide. 
 
What advice would you give to younger athletes about their time at Union?
Take advantage of the time you have with your team. Your sport isn't just a hobby, it will be part of your life that you will remember forever. Especially in times like this, you never know when your last meet or game will be, so take in every moment. Not to be cliché, but count your blessings regardless of if you think you have it harder than others because there are SO many people out there that would give up anything to be in your spot. To be able to have one more race, one more practice.