Join Liliana's Quest for Athletic Excellence

Hi, my name is Liliana Piazza-Palmer. I’m a sophomore at Eastridge High School, and for the past two years, I’ve been a track and field athlete.

When I first joined track as an 8th grader on the modified team, I was simply trying to stay in shape. I never imagined it would turn into something I’m deeply passionate about. Going into my freshman outdoor season on varsity in 2025, I didn’t expect much, I just wanted to keep moving.

From the start, I was drawn to hurdling. My main events became the 100-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles, with occasional races in the 100m and 400m dashes. At first, I didn’t take the season too seriously. But as the weeks went on, things began to change. I started getting invited to invitational meets and was even given the opportunity to compete at every one. That meant shifting my events around, even when I didn’t want to but I knew it was part of being a team player and growing as an athlete.

After our final invitational meet, I thought my season was over, until my coach messaged me saying I had qualified for Counties and Sectionals. I was completely shocked. I never expected to make it that far. Even though I didn’t win at those meets, I was incredibly proud and grateful just to be there.

Still, I kept training. I showed up to practice, did the tough workouts no one else wanted to do, and gave it my all. When the list for State Qualifiers came out, I scrolled through, not expecting much but then I saw my name, highlighted in blue. I had made it. As a freshman. I was just one step away from going to States.

That moment made me realize how much potential I truly have in this sport.

After the season ended, I didn’t want to stop. A friend told me about a summer track club, and I joined right away. Since the end of May, I’ve been training four days a week at practice from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. I also train at the gym twice a week with my coach. I’m committed to becoming the best track and field athlete I can be.

But with that level of commitment comes expenses such as travel, personal training, gym sessions, athletic gear, bib numbers, and more. It all adds up.

That’s why I’m asking for your support. Whether it’s through sponsorship, donations, or simply sharing my story, any help means the world to me and allows me to continue doing what I love.

Thank you for being part of my journey.