While Yarid Deras, a senior at Chelsea High, rarely speaks openly about her accomplishments, those around her are eager to celebrate her success as a Cross Country standout.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) joined her coaches and Athletic Director Amanda Alpert in recognizing her achievements.
Deras received the Commonwealth Athletic Conference’s Female award at the MIAA Recognition Breakfast held on Nov. 14, adding this honor to her distinction as this year’s upper division league MVP in Cross Country.
“It’s very surprising to me how fast four years have gone,” she said. “I didn’t start running until my freshman year. It was the first thing I really did my freshman year. I didn’t really think I would enjoy it. I enjoyed the team and not so much the running. The summer after my freshman year, something happened and I really learned to love the sport for what it is. I will definitely continue running after high school, maybe for a club team in college.”
Her coach, Don Fay, expressed his admiration for the senior leader and league MVP without reservation.
“I have coached Yarid for the last four years,” he said. “She is one of the most impressive young ladies I have ever met. Extremely smart, hard-working and competitive. She never misses practice, and never complains. Yarid is a truly nice, genuine person.”
According to Athletic Director Alpert, Deras demonstrates remarkable humility and a quiet demeanor, typically avoiding discussion of her own achievements.
The team roster is modest, comprising approximately eight girls, yet the group maintains strong competitive spirit. Deras noted that her leadership has developed over the years, though she emphasized that her influence does not always manifest through vocal communication.
“I think I don’t really lead vocally,” she said. “I don’t say much, but I think I lead by example. I don’t do much with words, but I set the example for the younger runners on my team. That’s how they have come to respect me as a leader.”
Despite winning league MVP this season, Deras reflected that her most meaningful Cross Country memory came last year when her team captured the league meet title and completed an undefeated season. During her sophomore year, she earned the league MVP award and posted a competitive 5K time of 21.04.
Looking ahead to outdoor track season as a senior, Deras will compete in the one-mile and two-mile races for the Chelsea girls team, which also boasts strong performance in that sport.
She is currently evaluating college options, with Smith College and Providence College among her considerations.