Senior Egle Morenaite has been chosen for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference 40th anniversary team and was voted for the Iona College women’s cross-country 2010s All-Decade team. 

Morenaite has been a part of the team since she came to Iona as a freshman. Since then, she’s performed at nothing under phenomenal. She has won the MAAC championship every year so far, becoming the only woman to do so in MAAC history. She also received two All-American honors after her performances in the NCAA championship during her sophomore year. 

Morenaite wasn’t expecting this recognition anytime soon. 

“Iona has always had a good amount of great runners who [have been] even more successful after they finished their Iona career,” Morenaite said via phone call. “I’m honored to be selected.” 

With a focus on training and keeping in shape, the Iona senior hopes to stay healthy and on top of her game for the remaining year to help her team bring home more honors. The selection for such prestigious teams means a lot, Morenaite said. 

When it comes to the upcoming spring season, should the MAAC give it the green light, Morenaite hopes to beat her personal best and win the 3,000-meter and 5,000-meter races again at the MAAC Indoor Track and Field Championships. Last season, she took home both victories to help her team succeed, while also setting MAAC records with 9:29.01 in the 3,000-meter and 16:42.95 in the 5,000-meter. 

One of the hurdles facing Morenaite’s progression as a competitive runner is her confidence. The placement in the decade and anniversary teams helped boost the confidence she needed to achieve the goals she set.. 

“It helped me…see that I’ve been recognized and I’m among those great runners who’ve been selected too,” Morenaite said. “It feels good and it definitely helps to believe in myself more.” 

Consistency is one of the toughest things to have as an athlete but for Morenaite,  the support group around her  helps her stay on top of her game. Her performance and training coaches as well as her fellow teammates help her achieve her goals and set new ones as time goes on. 

Despite having performed at the top of her game for the past three years, Morenaite is always cautious of the possibility of injuries. While the coronavirus is the biggest obstacle for any athlete during these times, for Morenaite, it’s all about staying healthy and making sure injuries don’t spoil her career.  

“Besides that, I’m motivated, I want to work hard, I have great coaches, I have a great trainer…I think we can achieve it,” Morenaite said.