Here’s What’s Driving Eva Cragnolino On The Track In 2026

AUSTIN, Texas—Eva Cragnolino does not like to think about her last race for very long. 

“I don’t dwell on them or ruminate on them too much,” she says. 

So, it’s about moving ahead. 

Fortunately for the Austin LASA High School senior, she’s on a hot streak. Cragnolino has won two UIL Class 5A state titles in cross country and track and field over the last two seasons. That mentality has shaped the way she’s covered ground lately. “I”m not afraid to lose at all,” she said. 

Recently, we sat down with the 17-year-old to learn more about her past successes, present realities and what’s pushing her ahead into 2026.

For the full conversation, go over to our YouTube channel and check out our “On The Mark” tab. Make sure to give us a like and subscribe. 

Here are the top moments from our interview (we’ve condensed the conversation for clarity). 

Austin Fit Magazine: What mindset do you have in your final season on the track? 

Cragnolino: I”m just trying to keep improving and to build a really strong year with a lot of momentum coming into college. 

Austin Fit Magazine: Any fears? 

Cragnolino: I think winning the state title last year, there’s like a fear of not measuring up to that and losing, but I’m trying not to be scared of doing worse than last year. 

Austin LASA senior Eva Cragnolino smiles with teammates after her win at the UIL Class 5A Cross Country Championships in November. Photo Credit: Cory Mull/Austin Fit Magazine

Behind Cragnolino’s Growth On The Track

Austin Fit Magazine: What’s the growth you’ve seen from yourself over the last six years? 

Cragnolino: I think a lot of the growth has been just being able to push myself harder and be more disciplined with my training and being consistent. Caring more about the training and the progress than the results. 

Austin Fit Magazine: Let’s talk about success. You won a 3,200 meter state title last year and a cross country title in the fall. 

Cragnolino: That was a really fun race for me (outdoors). I remember a lot about the first mile. I just tried to stay as relaxed as possible. 

Austin Fit Magazine: In championship racing, sometimes you have to have guts. Did something instinctual come over you (when  you won)? 

Cragnolino: Yeah, for sure. I just try to trust my race and stakes  because I think that’s the funnest part of racing.

Inspirations That Carry This High School Senior

Austin Fit Magazine: What inspires you in this sport? 

Crangolino: I think my teammates, every day. Just going to practice and working with a group is very fun. I watch professional track and college track, so I think those sports inspire me as well. 

Austin Fit Magazine: What’s been one big moment you look back on and you’re thankful you’ve had it on the track? 

Cragnolino: I think getting injured my freshman year (was a big moment for me). I was really upset, but I think that really helped me learn how to train smarter. I think if I hadn’t gotten injured my freshman year, I would have been worse off. 

Austin Fit Magazine: Do you believe you’ll win every race? 

Cragnolino: I don’t know. I’ve never seen it as I have-to. But I’ve never been in a race where I don’t think I could win. 

Austin Fit Magazine: Final year on the track. What are the things you’re aspiring to? 

Cragnolino: I’ve already mentioned this like three times in this interview, but I really want that state 1,600 meter title. I would love to defend my 3,200 meter title. I want to run sub-4:40 in the mile. And the 800 has been a hard race for me all of high school. I’ve never run it very well. I want to run a good 800, hopefully under 2:12. 

On The Mark

For full conversations with Central Texas’ top high school track and field and cross country runners, check out Austin Fit Magazine’s YouTube page over on its “On The Mark” tab.