Hackley student athletes post 4.15 GPA while competing in three sports

Emma Curran and Charlie Napach, both seniors at the Hackley School in Tarrytown, N.Y., are competing in three sports each while maintaining grade-point averages above 3.9. The school recently named them its Scholar Athletes of the Month, recognizing their performance in both the classroom and on the field.

Curran has been a triathlete since age seven and competes for Hackley in cross country, swimming, and track and field. She recently ran the 2.5-mile course at the Manhattan University Cross Country Invitational at Van Cortlandt Park in 2:11.17. That time earned her a medal and improved her personal best by 18 seconds. She serves as co-team captain with Caitlin Morrow.

Coach Dawn Crainer described Curran as a top-notch leader who motivates newer runners. Crainer noted that Curran is often found cheering teammates on the hills of Van Cortlandt Park and organizing team merchandise and snacks. Curran takes advanced math classes and estimates her weighted GPA at 4.15. She has committed to play track and field at Cornell University.

Napach plays soccer, squash, and lacrosse. He acknowledged that playing three sports puts him at a disadvantage against athletes who specialize in one, but he said the variety keeps him engaged. He said, “I push myself in three different ways.”

Noah Knopf, Napach’s soccer coach, said the senior is driven by team connection and camaraderie. Knopf added that teammates look to Napach for motivation when they are struggling. Napach estimated his GPA at 3.9 and said he is an avid reader with a strong interest in history.

Both athletes plan to continue competing in college. Curran will play track and field at Cornell. Napach intends to play club sports and is narrowing his college choices to the Northeast region.