SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Elizabeth Hennessy will continue her track career next year, competing for the UC San Diego Tritons. She is one of 11 Troubadours making commitments to play or compete collegiately next fall during the spring signing period.

“When I went on my official visit, I immediately fell in love with the team,” said Hennessy of her visit to San Diego. “It absolutely felt right and was what everyone tells you it should feel like. The track team is a family like it was at SF for me. When you enjoy the people you are with, it makes the workouts more enjoyable. I am excited to be part of a team that travels a lot, works out in great weather, has great facilities and a coach that can mentor me and take me to the next level.”

The Auburn, Calif. native will join a program coached by Darcy Ahner, who has led the UCSD program for the last 10 seasons and the team to NCAA Top 10 finishes in five of the last eight years.

“I am extremely excited to continue my track career at the collegiate level,” said Hennessy. “Initially I liked UCSD because it was by the beach and I wanted to study marine biology. I have since changed my focus to neuroscience. Because the school is in the hub of the science center of the world, I know that I will have a lot of resources available to me. It is an incredible opportunity.”

Hennessy has made great strides in her career, literally. She has consistently lowered her personal-bests in her signature events each season. She ran a best 45.28 in the 300m hurdles earlier this year and recently set the 400m hurdle school record at the Stanford Invitational (1:03.88). She posted a personal-best 15.56 in the 100m hurdles as a junior.

She is excited to continue the strong tradition of Troubies continuing to compete in college.

“I have always looked up to my teammates,” said Hennessy. “A lot of them have graduated and gone on to really great schools. I have worked really hard this year. I had hoped it would help me get into a really great academic school and research school like UCSD. My hard work has paid off.”

Hennessy is a three-time Sac-Joaquin Section individual qualifier and CIF State Championship qualifier with the 4×400-meter relay. The Troubies have won two league and section titles during her career and she has been a two-time all-league selection.

“It has been great coaching Liz for the past 2 seasons,” said Head Coach Rod Jett. “She is very talented and a very hard worker.  She is always looking for ways to improve in her events.  This year as a senior she has flourished as a team leader and a role model for the younger athletes on the team.  Her work ethic will serve her well for the rest of this season, as she continues to improve, and next year as she begins her career at UCSD.”

One of the highlights of her career has been serving as a co-captain.

“This year has been the most important year in my St. Francis track career because I have been able to take the role of co-captain,” said Hennessy. “It has been great to lead and mentor the younger girls. It meant a lot to me that they looked up to me and made me work harder because I wanted to set a good example for them.”

While Hennessy has top marks on the track, she has been equally impressive in the classroom. She has received the General Excellence Award (4.00 GPA or greater) in each semester on campus and earned subject specific awards in Geometry, English 9, World History, Spanish 2 & 3, Theology and Chemistry. She was the school’s nominee for the CIF Scholar-Athlete of the Year this spring.

While her list of accomplishments is long, she hopes to finish off her track career in strong fashion, adding to her mark at SF. She still has several big meets ahead over the final two months of the season.

“I want to do my best,” said Hennessy. “Hopefully I can break the 300m hurdles school record, but that is bit of a reach. I want to keep improving and doing my best, while supporting my teammates as they achieve their goals.”

Hennessy will participate in the St. Francis Signing Day Celebration on Wednesday.