Dating back to elementary and middle school, Orange Lutheran senior Calista Aldridge was often told she was a fast runner. When she arrived on campus as a freshman, she decided to join the track team for fun. After a successful first season, she chose to make the sport her focus.
 
Aldridge is specializes in the 400 meter distance for the Lancers, running both the individual event and the 4 x 400 relay.
 
"With the 400, I enjoy that I'm able to sprint, but I also get to use my endurance," says Aldridge. "It's the perfect length race."
 
Aldridge and her relay teammates, Isabel Adams, Luca Lyght and Sarabella Stakley, have been making their mark on the 4 x 400 this season, having placed 1^st at the OC Championships and 3^rd at the Mt. SAC Relays with a sub-4:00 time.
 
"Cali's been with our program for four years, and it's been amazing to watch her grow," says OLu track and field head coach Kevin Gillian. "The moment she decided to really buy into the sport, everything changed – her confidence, her mindset, her performance. She's put in the work, and it shows. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see her on a college roster soon, and even more than that, I know she's going to be a leader wherever she goes. She's just that kind of person."
 
Serving as a captain for the Lancers, Aldridge leads by keeping the team organized, focused and prepared for meets, making sure her teammates are on time and respectful. She also makes a point of investing in the team's younger athletes by creating a focused and supportive environment.
 
"I like representing OLu because unlike other teams or other schools I see, I feel like we have a really strong bond and we're all close," says Aldridge. "Everyone wants to make each other better, even if it means you're going to end up losing to them at the end of the day. Everyone's just happy for each other."
 
While she hasn't dealt with many physical injuries over her career, Aldridge says the mental side of the sport has its own challenges. Despite these difficulties, Aldridge has learned that in running, you get out what you put in.
 
"It's definitely taught me that you reap what you sow," says the 17-year old. "It's unlike other team sports where you need other people to get the job done. So it's taught me that if you want to do well, you can't just say it. You have to try hard every day at practice for it."
 
Aldridge is involved in a number of extracurricular activities, both on campus and in the community. She is a member of National Charity League and serves as the president of OLu's Black Student Union chapter as well as ASB president.
 
"I started ASB my freshman year at OLu and I just fell in love with OLu and wanted to do everything I could to help boost school spirit," says Aldridge. "We've increased school spirit, increased school participation during pep rallies, football games and all sports, and have increased senior students participation in all the special senior events. I really am proud of our ASB this year."
 
Aldridge plans to study business with the goal of pursuing a career in pharmaceutical sales. She is grateful for the support Coach Gillian and Coach Kennedy have given her over the past four years, and she remains motivated by her family's strong work ethic. She is also inspired by the encouragement of the teaching staff at OLu, and her faith has helped her prioritize what is important.
 
"It's good to have a strong faith, especially for me," says Aldridge. "It's helped me because I know that this is all part of a bigger picture. At the end of the day, I'm not going to play sports my whole life, but I will have faith for my whole life."