Esmeralda Bonilla, Snohomish cross country

Senior Esmeralda Bonilla hasn’t been at Snohomish for a very long time, but she’s enjoyed it there. The Los Angeles-transplant, who moved to the Northwest before last season, joined the cross country team and made friends quickly in her new home.

Snohomish cross country coach David LeWarne wishes he could have had even more time with Bonilla, who finished 17th at last week’s Wesco 4A Championship meet to help the Panthers’ girls team win the team title.

“Consistency and focus are the big things,” LeWarne said. “She is always positive. And she just busts her tail with academics.”

Herald Writer David Krueger talked to Bonilla about why she enjoys running, moving to Snohomish and the next sport she’s going to try during her senior year.

Q: How’s the cross country season going?

A: It’s going really well. We’re trying really hard. We’ve just got to keep running hard and try our best to improve our times. And there’s a lot of really good schools out there, so we’ve just got to keep training and keep it up.

Q: Be honest, do you really enjoy running?

A: I do. I actually love it. I’ve been doing it for three years. I just like it. That’s my sport. I was doing volleyball before and I quit because I like running so much. I’ve been training a lot. It just takes a lot of practice.

Q: What is it about running that you like so much?

A: I don’t know. It keeps me busy. Keeps me away from trouble. I think it helps me a lot in school, because since I like running a lot it helps me keep my grades up.

Q: You guys had the Wesco (4A) championship last weekend, how big was that for you guys?

A: It was really good. We got first place. I just hope we keep doing good.

Q: How are you guys feeling going into districts and the rest of the postseason?

A: We train a lot. I’m pretty sure we’re going to do fine. We’ll do good.

Q: How do you like Snohomish? Is this a good school to go to?

A: Yes! I love it. I moved last year from California and yeah, everyone here is really nice. I’ve met a lot of really good people and they’ve helped me a lot.

Q: Was it hard at all being the “new girl?”

A: It was hard, actually. I didn’t know anyone and classes were different. I had to meet new teachers, I had a new home, new friends. Everything was new. But what helped me a lot was doing cross country because I came to the first practice so my first day of school I already knew people so I was able to sit with them and hang out.

Q: Where in California did you live?

A: Los Angeles. San Fernando Valley.

Q: Is that good Los Angeles or scary Los Angeles?

A: Scary. (Laughs.)

Q: What’s the best part about being a Panther?

A: Everything’s good. I just love it. I love being a Panther and I’m proud of being a Panther.

Q: What year are you at Snohomish?

A: A senior. It’s my last year here.

Q: Are you excited for life after high school?

A: I am, but at the same time I’m not because I know things will be different and school will be harder. I know I’ll miss Snohomish because I’m planning on going back home to California. Things will definitely change.

Q: Do you know what you want to do in California?

A: I want to go to community college and I want to study nursing. I want to get my Associate’s Degree there and then transfer to a four-year (university).

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: Besides studying?

Q: (Laughs.) Yeah. And running.

A: I don’t know. I just hang out with my family a lot. I like to spend time with them and watch movies and just have fun. I hang out with friends too.

Q: Are there any other sports you like to play or watch?

A: Cross country’s my thing. I’m planning on doing wrestling this year, so we’ll see how that goes.

Q: Have you ever wrestled before?

A: Just for fun. I didn’t do it for a long time. I was doing it before I moved to Seattle with my best friend because she wrestles. But I’ve never actually done it (for sport). It was just for fun. So, I’m going to try it. It’s my senior year so I want to try something new.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.