Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Over the past year, Julia Anastasio has absorbed and endured a number of things while learning to walk again post-hip surgery. Through it all, she has recognized not to take anything for granted.

Anastasio had hip surgery March 2025, and it was a rigorous road back to where she ran the 800, 1,600, and 3,200 this season. The rising senior finished 11th in the 1,600 (5:17.40) at the state meet.

At the region meet, Anastasio was third in the 800 (2:20.51), third in the 1,600 (5:14.93), and third in the 3,200 (11:57.16).

Yet, Anastasio won’t soon forget her path back to her passion. It was a tedious trek along the way.

“The recovery was slow,” recalled Anastasio. “I didn’t run for over six months and was in crutches for six weeks, four of them were non-weight bearing. I had to learn to walk and then learn to run again and the transition included a lot of cross training such as biking and aqua jogging.”

Taking her first steps proved to be a test of determination and humility.

“Learning to walk again felt really weird,” said Anastasio. “It was kinda crazy how I was relearning to do something I've done my whole life, but I picked it up pretty quickly.”

Over time, practice began to make perfect, even though it may not have been a good look.

“I would practice walking back and forth to the mailbox,” explained Anastasio. “I probably looked ridiculous in front of the neighbors.

It definitely took much longer to gain full strength. I hadn’t felt back to where I was before surgery until the end of track season. But right now I feel very strong and confident in my senior cross country and track season.”

Her parents, Liz and Chase, and her teammates and friends provided constant support.

“I knew the rehab process was temporary and that if I put in the work, I’d get back to and be an even better runner than I was before," said Anastasio. “The support from my parents, friends, and teammates also helped me stay motivated throughout the journey.”

Anastasio began running in elementary school, and she soon would make it a top priority. Her personal best in the 800 is 2:19 the past season,and she recorded a 5:12 in the 1,600 as a freshman. She also clocked a 1:00 in the 400, and an 18:27 in the 5,000.

“When I got to middle school, I began taking running more seriously and became motivated to improve my times and see how much I could accomplish,” said Anastasio. “ Since then, I’ve continued to work hard to push my limits and keep improving each season.

“The success I had in middle school motivated me to continue improving and compete at a higher level. My favorite event is the 1600 meters because it pushes me both physically and mentally- I really enjoy it.”

Head track and cross country coach Levi Sybert has observed Anastasio overcome a major setback and develop in several ways.

“Julia has really grown from a strong athlete to a stronger athlete along with leadership ability that transcends well beyond her reach,” said Sybert.

“She had a serious hip injury that required surgery her sophomore year and she has had the maturity to strategically get back into high level competing, while maintaining her positivity and growing as a leader. It is truly inspirational for many of the athletes and I’m so excited to see how she wraps it all up together her senior year.”

Anastasio knows she has benefitted from her experience. She has begun training for the upcoming cross country season in which she has experienced previous success. Anastasio has since won a regional championship and been a top 10 state finisher in her fall sport.

“Going through surgery and recovery made me appreciate running so much more than before,” said Anastasio. “I don’t take competing for granted anymore and it’s really exciting to see how far I've come and improved since then.”

“Being away from the sport was difficult, and the recovery process required a lot of patience and hard work. Coming back has made me stronger both as an athlete and as a person.”