Zariel Macchia, a senior at William Floyd High School, has been recognized as the News 12/Bethpage Federal Credit Union Scholar Athlete of the week. She is among 30 student-athletes from Long Island chosen for this accolade during the 2024-25 school year and is only the third student-athlete from her school to receive it. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Her profile will be broadcast starting January 7 at 5 pm on News 12.
Macchia has achieved significant success in high school cross country and track & field. Her accomplishments include multiple county and state championships, three-time USATF National Youth 5K Champion titles, and a gold medal at the U20 USATF Cross Country Championships. Additionally, she was a bronze medalist at the Pan American U20 Championships in 2023 and recently placed in the top three at the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championship in San Diego, California. She holds Long Island records in several running events.
The presentation of her scholar-athlete award was attended by various officials including News 12 sports director Kevin Maher and Anissa Ciambrone from Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Among those present were Kathleen Keane from William Floyd School District administration, Coach John Ryan, athletic director Brian Babst, and superintendent Kevin Coster.
Macchia's accolades extend beyond athletics; she has been named an all-American honoree and received numerous titles such as Newsday Runner of the Year and Gatorade Track & Field Athlete of the Year in 2024. She also represented Team USA at international competitions.
In addition to her athletic prowess, Macchia excels academically with a GPA above 96 while taking advanced placement courses since seventh grade. She participates in various extracurricular activities including Quiz Bowl, debate club, robotics team, STEP science club, and Science Honor Society. Outside school, she engages with STEM programs at Brookhaven National Lab.
Coach John Ryan praises Zariel's achievements: “She has accomplished more in her high school years than most people accomplish in a lifetime,” he stated. He regards her as an exemplary role model for younger athletes due to her strong work ethic.
Upon graduation, Macchia plans to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) where she intends to continue running while exploring BYU’s engineering program.
News 12's coverage featuring interviews with Macchia and Coach Ryan will air beginning January 7.
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