When Rachel Haack ‘26 was in 5th grade, she signed up for the shot put event on track and field day. The 5th grader won the competition, with a distance of around 22 feet. Ever since that day at Hoover Elementary, Haack knew that shot put was something she wanted to pursue. This newfound passion was encouraged by Haack’s greatest role model: her grandmother.
“My grandma competed in the shot put during her high school years, the 1960s. It’s crazy to think that even though there were many challenges with women’s sports, she competed anyway and was good at it too. My grandma passed away this last track season, so it’s been hard without her but I know she would be proud of where I’m at today. She always used to say, ‘You beat my shot put record of 32’4!’”
Haack’s love for the sport has only grown over time.
“I love throwing because it feels so powerful. You feel on top of the world after watching your implementation go so far. I also just love it because it takes personal accountability. At the end of the day, it’s just your body and your mind with the implement,” Haack said.
Haack stands at 6 feet tall, and though her strength and height help her perform well in the ring, it’s her constant dedication to her craft that has made her the athlete she is today.
“There are so many countless hours of training that people do not see from the outside. I can only get so far with that natural talent, but I am super motivated to get better and to practice— which is what helps me compete at a high level,” Haack said.
Lifting is one of the most important components that helped Haack increase her strength and her craft.
“During the off-season, I spend hours in the weight room. I lift 4 days a week, about an hour long each day. Lifting is super important in the training process because you have to get stronger to compete with other people performing at a high level,” Haack said.
As her high school career progressed, Haack began to reach out to college coaches. These coaches, impressed by Haack’s skill and athleticism, were delighted to hear from her. Haack had interest from a plethora of schools.
“I remember having so many phone calls. I briefly talked to coaches from Fresno St, Penn St, Vanderbilt, Princeton, New Mexico St, and Michigan St. I ended up visiting Miami Ohio, New Mexico State, Michigan State, Colorado State, and Drake University,” Haack said.
When Haack went on her official visit to Colorado State University in Fort Hayes, CO, she and her parents were picked up at the Denver airport by coach Bedard, the head coach of Colorado State track and field. Haack had never stepped foot in Colorado before, but once she did, she was immediately in awe. When Coach Bedard took Haack to meet the team at lunch, Haack immediately felt at ease.
“I was greeted with excited and welcoming faces. I had never felt so special before. Throughout the rest of the trip, we toured campus and the facilities and I couldn’t get enough of it. I couldn’t get over how personal and raw everyone was. Especially the girls on the throws team– I really bonded with them and I fit right in,” Haack said.
Haack and the team spent the night eating ice cream and bonding. When she returned to the hotel, Haack recalls murmuring before her head hit the pillow, “I really want to go here.”
A few weeks later, it was decided. Haack called Coach Bedard and told him the good news.
“He was so happy. The coaching staff at Colorado State knows what they’re doing. Coach Bedard takes people that get overlooked that are undercoached and underrecruited to tough athletes, Olympians even,” Haack said.
Haack strives to reach her greatest potential during her time at Colorado State.
“I want to have an amazing experience where I grow as a person and make a lot of memories and close bonds. But, I also know that I am driven and want to succeed,” Haack said.
“Specifically, I would love to get into the high 50 feet for shot put, the 170-180 feet range in discus, and succeed in the hammer and weight throw. My ultimate goals would be to qualify for conferences, regionals, and hopefully the NCAA’s. Towards the end of my throwing career, I think qualifying for the Olympic trials would be in my grasp and that’s a high goal I would like to see accomplished.”
But before Haack takes on the college level, she still has one last season as a Little Hawk. Haack has been throwing shot and discus for the past four years at City High, and has “loved her time” spent with the track and field program.
“I enjoy competing in track and field every year at City High, and I’m met with bittersweet feelings about my departure. I just love track and field in general because there are many different people with different qualities and strengths who all play a part in one big purpose, one team, yet individualized,” Haack said.
During her last season at City High, Haack says she wants to “go out with a bang, but also enjoy [herself].”
Unsurprisingly, Haack has goals for her remaining time at City High.
“I plan to beat the shot put school record of 42 ‘8” and beat my own discus record of 141’ 6.” My distance goals this year would be around 45-46 feet in shot put and around 155 feet in discus,” said Haack.
If Haack had to give a piece of advice to a 5th grade girl wondering if she could ever compete at Haack’s level, she says it would be to “work hard.”
“Force yourself to get out of bed when you don’t want to. Go to that extra early morning practice or early morning lift. When you’re at a place that you feel good about, you will feel more accomplished knowing that you put in real work to get there, rather than just being there because you’re naturally good at something.”
