At Rosary–an academy dedicated to excellence in academics, character and athletics–one team has quietly but consistently built a legacy of endurance and teamwork: the triathlon team. Founded in 2018 under the leadership of Coach Adam Harita, the Rosary Triathlon Team has become one of the school’s most inspiring athletic programs. Though small in number, the team has achieved remarkable success, winning multiple state championships and earning admiration for their dedication and perseverance.
Triathlon is not for the weak-minded or out of shape. It demands physical strength, mental endurance and strategic thinking. The sport combines swimming, biking and running into a single event, often testing an athlete’s willpower as much as her muscles. At Rosary, the girls who join the triathlon team know they are signing up for one of the hardest sports available. And yet, year after year, they rise to the challenge.
Coach Adam Harita, who helped establish the team in 2018, has been the heart of the program since its start. With a great record himself, Coach Harita brings loads of experience and a passion for the sport that fuels his athletes’ drive. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not just physical conditioning, but also team unity, personal accountability and mental resilience. It’s not about being the fastest, it’s about pushing yourself and having fun. That mindset has paid off. Since their founding, the Rosary Triathlon Team has captured several state titles, including three consecutive wins in recent years. Their success has not come easily. With a roster that rarely exceeds ten athletes, each member plays a crucial role. Their small size means that every workout, every meet and every practice is intensely personal and deeply collaborative.
This past season, which ended just last week with the final race of the year, was another example of the team’s commitment to the sport. Early morning wake-up calls, countless laps in the pool, grueling hill rides and long weekend runs all paid off. Gigi Simmons ’26 shares, “This season was so exciting and, honestly, I think it was a big easier because I was better equipped for more endurance and skill from the previous season.”
Their last race, OC Tri at Mission Viejo, was a powerful display of what months of hard work can achieve. Despite strong competition from larger schools, the Rosary athletes stayed focused and raced with a combination of poise and passion. Each girl pushed her limits, and the team finished while having fun.
Though the season concluded last week, their victory and the lessons they’ve learned will echo far beyond the finish line. Senior Ashley Bernath says, “The last triathlon was very bittersweet. I loved being apart of the triathlon team so the season coming to an end is a huge bummer. Overall, the OC Tri at Mission Viejo was very fun and it was nice to do it one last time with my team.”
As the season comes to a close, the team is already looking ahead—not just to next year’s races, but to continuing the legacy of excellence that their team has reached. For the Rosary triathletes, every stroke, pedal and stride is more than just a step toward a finish line. It’s a step toward becoming their best selves, together.
