SI High School Athlete of the Month: Hannah DeBalsi

SI High School Athlete of the Month: Hannah DeBalsi

Andy DeGory for Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated traveled to Staples High in Westport, Conn., on Saturday, Jan. 9, to recognize December selection Hannah DeBalsi as the SI High School Athlete of the Month, presented by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Andy DeGory for Sports Illustrated

Hannah DeBalsi, a four-time state cross-country champion and three-time New England’s Runner, poses with her mother and Donn Cabral, a 2012 U.S. Olympian in the Steeplechase, following the award ceremony.

Andy DeGory for Sports Illustrated

Donn Cabral, eight-time NCAA All-America and 10-time individual Ivy League champion, getting the hang of things at the pull-up bar challenge at the event to honor Hannah DeBalsi, the SI High School Athlete of the Month.

Andy DeGory for Sports Illustrated

Hannah DeBalsi, a top student at Staples High with a 4.13 GPA, is presented with her High School Athlete of the Month Award by (from left) Donn Cabral, SSgt Jason Caldwell and Sports Illustrated Managing Editor Chris Stone.

Andy DeGory for Sports Illustrated

Darien High athlete Ryan Sullivan gives it his all at the pull-up bar challenge featured at the event. The ceremony was held on the same day as an eight-team track meet at Staples.

Andy DeGory for Sports Illustrated

Donn Cabral, world-renowned cross country and track athlete, chats with students during the event recognizing Hannah DeBalsi as the High School Athlete selection for December.

Andy DeGory for Sports Illustrated

Hannah DeBalsi, who finished 5th at Foot Locker Nationals last year, being photographed with her award beside SSgt Jason Caldwell. The Stanford-bound senior athlete and SI High School Athlete of the Month for December appeared in the Dec. 21 issue of Sports Illustrated.

Andy DeGory for Sports Illustrated

Hannah DeBalsi is surrounded by the crowd following the High School Athlete of the Month awards ceremony and track meet at Staples High.