DaCosta to run cross country for GCSC
Port St. Joe High School senior Hannah DaCosta has become the first runner to be signed to a cross country scholarship for the newly-created women’s team at Gulf Coast State College.
Lady Commodores coach Tom Dever made the announcement last month, as he looks forward to the program’s first season, set to begin in the fall.
“Hannah’s journey and commitment to the sport exemplify the qualities we seek in our athletes,” he said. “We are thrilled to have her as a trailblazer for our women’s cross country program, and we look forward to seeing her excel both on and off the track.
A news release from Gulf Coast says that “DaCosta found her love for running uniquely. In elementary school, she participated in the Morning Mile program, where laps were recorded, and prizes were awarded. It was through this program that she discovered her affinity for running, leading her to join the cross country program at Port St. Joe Junior Senior High School while she was in middle school.”
Tiger Shark track and cross country coach Keion McNair has been DaCosta’s coach from the sixth grade.
“He’s played a pivotal role in shaping her into the exceptional athlete she is today,” said the release. “She has not only demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess, but has also exhibited resilience, determination, and a passion for running that sets her apart.”
Currently, DaCosta’s personal record in the 5K is 22.50, in the 800 meters it’s 2:38:02, and in the 1600 meters it’s 6:28:66.
DaCosta said her decision to attend Gulf Coast was motivated both by its proximity to Port St. Joe, as well as by the institution’s esteemed nursing program, one of the best in Florida.
Meet the Editor
David Adlerstein, The Apalachicola Times’ digital editor, started with the news outlet in January 2002 as a reporter.
Prior to then, David Adlerstein began as a newspaperman with a small Boston weekly, after graduating magna cum laude from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He later edited the weekly Bellville Times, and as business reporter for the daily Marion Star, both not far from his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
In 1995, he moved to South Florida, and worked as a business reporter and editor of Medical Business newspaper. In Jan. 2002, he began with the Apalachicola Times, first as reporter and later as editor, and in Oct. 2020, also began editing the Port St. Joe Star.