Suffolk Reporter

Zariel Macchia, a senior student-athlete on the William Floyd High School cross-country team, has been named one of the top 25 girls’ cross-country runners by Newsday. In its feature, Newsday stated, “She won the Federation title in 17:59.4 and finished second in Class A, and in the merge, in 17:44.3 at the public-school state championships. The BYU commit, who already has a Class A title to her name, is the fastest runner in the state…and one of the fastest girls in the country.”

Macchia has had a significant impact throughout her career as a Colonial. She was named Newsday’s Long Island Runner of the Year three times and has broken numerous school records. Additionally, she earned Gatorade New York Girls’ Cross-Country Player of the Year honors for 2023-24. Last year, Macchia achieved First Team All-American honors and won her first state championship. In her senior season, she aims to add more accomplishments and help lead the Colonials under head coach John Ryan to their fifth straight League I championship.

The Colonials (1-0) have started this season strong with their first win over Middle Country in a dual meet where Zariel took first place. She also secured first place in both the Jim Smith Invitational (senior division) and Community Library’s Smith Point Bridge 5K Run for Literacy (second overall). The team looks forward to another successful season.