On May 6, the Inter-Academic Athletic League recognized Nina Heverin-Alvarado ’26 as a recipient of the annual Inter-Ac Athletic Directors' Award. This honor is reserved for senior student-athletes who have participated in multi-sport varsity athletics while exemplifying outstanding sportsmanship and leadership within their school community.

 

Reflecting on her journey, Nina noted that the track program provided much more than just athletic training. “I soon realized that the track team at Baldwin is an extremely supportive and uplifting environment no matter your level of experience,” Nina shared. “Track can often be thought of as an individual sport. But being part of the Baldwin Indoor and Outdoor Track Team has taught me that track is a team sport. Each member encourages each other through hard workouts, and cheers on their teammates at the top of their lungs at our meets.”

 

Track and Field Head Coach Kate Leibrand echoed this sentiment, describing Nina as the "cornerstone" of the program over the past four years. Coach Leibrand praised her leadership style, stating, “Beyond the records and accolades, Nina has helped shape the culture of the team through her dedication, work ethic, and genuine care for her teammates.” She added that Nina is a leader who “consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity, positivity, and commitment.”

 

Nina leaves Baldwin with a legacy etched into the record books. Her career highlights include:

Nina attributes her success to the resilience she developed on the track. “I’ve also learned that doing hard things, like running at club practice right after a long school practice or getting up in a race after falling, are actually the experiences that allow you to grow the most,” she said.

 

At her college signing ceremony, Athletic Director Meg Glascott-Birch shared poignant remarks about Nina’s growth since middle school. She recalled a young Nina confidently solving a math problem at an assembly, noting, “While others might have hesitated, you leaned in — calm, focused, and completely self-assured. In that moment, it was clear to me that you were going somewhere special.”

 

Coach G-B highlighted Nina’s multi-faceted contributions, including her role as Head of the Service League, co-head of the Black Student Union, and leader of Model Congress. “As a Baldwin student-athlete, you’ve never been defined by just one thing,” she remarked. “As a leader of the Service League, you’ve reminded all of us that impact isn’t measured in wins or times alone, but in how we lift the people around us.”

 

Nina is headed to Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), where she will continue her track career. Her transition is supported by the prestigious Annika Rodriguez Scholarship, a full-tuition merit award. As a Rodriguez Scholar, Nina joins an elite cohort of students recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community service and cultural diversity.

 

Looking ahead, Nina is ready to apply her Baldwin experiences to the collegiate level. “On the WashU track team next year, I will use the lessons I have learned from Baldwin Athletics to continue growing as a runner and a person,” she promised.