Skip To Main Content
Final Athletic Accomplishment at EWS for Zoe Aviza-Hanrahan ’26

Emma Willard graduate Zoe Aviza-Hanrahan ’26 put the finishing touch on one of the most accomplished careers in program history by setting a new school record in the women's outdoor heptathlon at the 2026 AAU Region 1 Championships, held at the end of June in Schenectady, New York.

The heptathlon is one of the most demanding events in track and field, requiring athletes to compete in seven events over two days: the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200 meters, long jump, javelin, and 800 meters. Battling through the grueling competition, Zoe finished as the runner-up with 2,718 points while setting a new Emma Willard school record in the event.

Throughout the competition, Zoe placed second in every event, recording marks of 19.83 in the 100-meter hurdles, 1.25 meters (4'1¼") in the high jump, 8.04 meters (26'4½") in the shot put, 29.21 in the 200 meters, 4.25 meters (13'11¼") in the long jump, 17.74 meters (58'2½") in the javelin, and 2:47.72 in the 800 meters. Her consistency across all seven disciplines demonstrated the versatility and determination that defined her career.

The school record in the heptathlon is the third Emma Willard record Zoe leaves behind. During her career, she also established the school record in the indoor 800 meters and was a member of the record-setting indoor 4x400-meter relay team.

Zoe's accomplishments are even more remarkable considering the adversity she faced throughout her high school career. Multiple significant injuries and periods of illness interrupted her training and competition, yet each setback was met with resilience and determination. Time and again, she returned stronger, continuing to pursue her goals while serving as a leader for her teammates. Her perseverance became one of her defining qualities and an inspiration to the Emma Willard track and field program.

Beyond the record books, Zoe's legacy includes winning the Wasaren League Pentathlon Championship as both a freshman and a senior, captaining the team during her final season, and representing Emma Willard with exceptional sportsmanship, leadership, and competitive spirit.

This fall, Zoe will continue her academic journey at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she plans to pursue a bachelor of science in aeronautical science while also joining the U.S. Air Force ROTC program. Her decision reflects the same commitment to leadership, discipline, and service that she demonstrated throughout her time at Emma Willard.

Everyone in the Emma Willard community wishes Zoe the very best as she begins this exciting new chapter. We are confident she will make the same positive impact in college that she made on our team over the past four years.

EW

Find more interesting stories about Emma Willard School on our Newsroom page.

NEWSROOM

EW