Gilroy High senior Samantha Una’Dia said her favorite event is the 100-meter hurdles. Her younger brother, Mustangs freshman Jacob Una’Dia, favors the 300 hurdles over the boys 110 hurdles.
The siblings, however, agree when it comes to their biggest passion.
“We’re a track family. We all run hurdles, so I guess it’s in our blood,” Samantha Una’Dia said. “And it’s in our blood to be very competitive.”
The Una’Dia family tree branches deep through the history of Gilroy’s track and field program.
An older sister, Sarah Una’Dia, is a versatile junior in Fresno State’s program. She was a four-year letter winner during a storied career for the Mustangs that culminated with Dispatch Female Athlete of the Year honors her senior season.
Their father, Jeff Una’Dia, has left an imprint as a Gilroy assistant coach.
“I’d be nowhere without him,” Jacob Una’Dia said. “In practice, he never yells. He’s a good coach, really supportive.”
Samantha Una’Dia is a Central Coast Section contender in the 100 hurdles. She placed sixth in the event at last year’s CCS meet in 15.75 seconds, and her personal record in the event is 15.57, according to Athletic.net.
Samantha Una’Dia set a personal record in the 300 hurdles during a meet against Christopher on April 11, winning the event in 47.37.
“I’ve gotten better in both races,” she said of her hurdles events. “They help you in both. If you run the 100, it will help you with speed in the 300, and the 300 will help you with endurance in the 100.”
Samantha Una’Dia is capable in other events, too, winning the 100 dash in 13.74 during a tri-meet March 14.
“Sometimes she’ll run the 300 (hurdles), and we might need a leg for the 4×400,” Mustangs head coach Art Silva said. “She raises her hand and says, ‘I’ll do it, coach.’ That’s just the kind of young lady she is.”
Jacob Una’Dia quickly announced his presence on the local track scene, winning the frosh/soph 300 hurdles in 44.79 at the Avis Kelley Invitational on March 30.
“As a freshman, I think I’m just trying to get my form correct right now,” Jacob Una’Dia said. “Eventually in the future, I want to be up there.”
For Samantha Una’Dia, the adrenaline rush provided by the 100 hurdles is something to look forward to.
“For the 100, it’s the thrill,” she said. “I get so much anxiety built up in me, it actually helps me run faster.”
Samantha Una’Dia plans to follow her sister and run track at Fresno State.
She said Sarah, who has become an accomplished heptathlete for the Bulldogs, has been a valuable resource.
“She’s helped me with my technique, for sure,” Samantha said.
Jacob Una’Dia has had two sibling teachers in his older sisters.
“Yeah, they really help me a lot,” he said. “When we’re at home, we watch recordings and they give me give me short little tips like picking up my legs a little more, picking up my knees when I’m running. The little details help a lot.”
