Top Illinois runner on track for college offers


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Gianna Salzbrunn is one of the most decorated athletes in Illinois.
Gianna Salzbrunn is one of the most decorated athletes in Illinois.

Montini Catholic High School boasts one of the top female track and field athletes in Illinois.

National Scouting Report prospect Gianna Salzbrunn has earned All-State honors in three track and field events and cross country. The 5-foot-3 senior competes in the long jump (17-7.25), 300-meter hurdles (45.85), 3-mile (17:56), 800 meters (2:21 split), 400 meters (59.7 split) and 100 meters (12.82) for her Lombard, Ill., private school.

In addition, Salzbrunn is also a highly honored student, sporting a 3.96 GPA and scoring an impressive 30 on the ACT. Still uncommitted, she expects to major in Sports Management in college with a minor in Nutrition.

“While my strong leadership skills and determination are valued on the track, I am also able to display those qualities through my participation in the National Honor Society and Student Ambassadors at Montini,” Salzbrunn wrote in her NSR personal message to college coaches. “Each year I have taken honors classes and this year have added AP Political Science to my class list.  I have been on the high honor roll since my freshman year, and I have been placed on my conference’s All-Academic Team my freshman, sophomore, and junior years.  I have also earned the 2015 IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award.”

Andrew Novelli, National Track and Field Director for NSR, gushes about Salzbrunn.

“Gianna is a natural athlete that anchored the 2-A State Champion 4×800 meter relay team last spring as a junior.  She took 4th at the 2-A State Meet in the 300 meter hurdles. Also she’s a great distance runner, taking 21st at the 2-A Cross Country State Meet with a 17.56 time,” Novelli said.  “There really aren’t many events she can’t do.  That makes her a very valuable asset to college coaches during the recruiting process. Add her excellent grades to the mix and what you have is a highly desirable prospect.”

However, Salzbrunn always puts her team first.

“As a result of my success as an athlete, I have earned the respect of my coaches and teammates and have been honored with the title of captain of the cross country team both my junior and now my senior year,” Salzbrunn said. “Being a part of a team is very important to me, and I strive to ensure the team’s success as much as my own.  I wake up every day with the goal to do my best and to have fun while doing it.”

Salzbrunn’s maturity goes far beyond her years, Novelli said.

“That really impresses college coaches,” he said. “She shows good judgment and is a great decision-maker as an athlete, student and person. She’s outgoing and fun to be around, too. Being self-motivated with great drive and focus, Gianna will be a valuable asset to any collegiate track and field program.”


National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.

If you are ready to take your recruiting to the next level, click the Get Scouted button below to be evaluated by an NSR College Scout.

Get Scouted  Scouting Careers

One thought on “Top Illinois runner on track for college offers

  1. Geeg! You are awesome! Great accomplishments!!!! I hope everything goes for you in your years ahead. I also hope when you become famous I will still be around to enjoy your achievements. You go girl!!!!? Love you!

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