Angel Stanley commits to Western Illinois University for D1 Track and Field

Angel Stanley has been a track athlete since grade five and is now a grade 12 student who has committed to Western Illinois University for Division One track and field.  

Stanley grew a passion for the sport at a young age, starting her career with school track and field.

“That was when I realized how much I loved the sport, to see myself excel in my events made me want to pursue it more and strive for a scholarship,” said Angel Stanley. 

She joined the Lakeland Yellowjackets Track team when she was in grade eight and is in her fifth year with the program. 

“The group I train with and the relationships that we have formed everyone pushes for everyone to do better and encourages them, being surrounded by people who are also determined to train and do better makes me wanna do it even more.” 

Stanley competes in multiple events including long jump, triple jump, sprints, and her newest challenge, pole vault. 

Last Wednesday, she competed in Districts at Bonnyville Walsh Field and placed first in all her events advancing to Zones on May 24. 

Stanley has dedicated her accomplishments and success to Yellowjackets coach Larry Godziuk who has never stopped pushing for her to be better and has supported her throughout her track and field journey. 

“I would suggest track to a lot of people, I see younger kids training with us and now me being older I see myself as a leader and want to be a role model, everyone shows potential,” said Stanley.

“You meet a lot of new people and will make a lot of new friends that all share the same love of track and field.” 

Stanley is on track to graduate from Ecole Notre Dame High School this month and is getting ready to make her move in August. She plans to take Forensic Chemistry at Western Illinois University while competing in several events.