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A North Central senior, Kaelina Matthews, has been crowned the Marion County Female Athlete of the Year for her exceptional achievements in track and field. With a background filled with challenges and triumphs, Matthews excels not only in athletics but also in academics, showcasing her drive to excel in multiple fields. Despite facing setbacks such as recovering from COVID-19, she persevered and secured regional championships in the 800 meters. Her journey into racing began at an early age, evolving from initial hesitations to embracing competitive sports with enthusiasm.

The Journey of Kaelina Matthews: From Young Runner to Award-Winning Athlete

In the vibrant world of high school athletics, Kaelina Matthews stands out as a beacon of determination and passion. Hailing from North Central High School, this remarkable athlete has made significant strides in both cross-country and track events. Born into a family with deep roots in long-distance running, Kaelina initially showed reluctance towards public races during her childhood years. However, by third grade, her latent talent emerged during a casual cross-country race where she discovered her love for competition.

Kaelina's commitment shone brightly this year when she won sectional and regional titles in the 800 meters, setting a personal best time of 2:14.82. This achievement qualified her for the state meet on her home turf, enhancing her legacy as one of Indianapolis' top athletes. Beyond running, Kaelina ventured into go-kart racing at age sixteen, discovering another outlet for her competitive spirit while simultaneously pursuing a career path in mechanical engineering.

Despite health hurdles like contracting COVID-19 which sidelined her temporarily, Kaelina rebounded strongly, returning to form just in time for crucial competitions. Her resilience underscores her character, making her selection as Marion County Female Athlete of the Year all the more deserved.

From a young girl unsure about racing under scrutiny to becoming a trailblazer in motorsports and academia, Kaelina embodies what it means to push boundaries relentlessly.

As a journalist covering stories of inspiration, Kaelina Matthews' tale serves as a powerful reminder that success often stems from overcoming obstacles. Her ability to balance rigorous athletic demands alongside academic pursuits demonstrates how multifaceted individuals can achieve greatness across various domains. For aspiring athletes reading this story, Kaelina’s journey offers invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and seizing opportunities wholeheartedly. Truly, her accomplishments inspire others to embrace challenges fearlessly and strive toward their dreams without limitation.

In a significant move that brings together two entities with shared values, ALB® Vodka has announced its sponsorship of PREMA Racing for the 2025 Indianapolis 500. This partnership marks ALB's entry into the world of global motorsport, aligning itself with a team renowned for precision and excellence. The collaboration highlights both brands' dedication to quality and authenticity, as PREMA Racing made its debut on the Indy 500 grid with impressive results.

The alliance between ALB® Vodka and PREMA Racing was forged based on mutual principles of performance and integrity. As PREMA Racing introduced its two-car lineup at the iconic race, ALB® became an official sponsor, celebrating the synergy between their core values. Piers Phillips, CEO of PREMA Racing INDYCAR, expressed pride in finding a partner like ALB that appreciates the significance of quality and identity. Robert Shwartzman, driving the Number 83 car, demonstrated exceptional skill, securing pole position for the rookie team in this historic event.

John Curtin, representing ALB, emphasized that this partnership goes beyond mere sponsorship. It symbolizes standing alongside teams and athletes who are grounded yet ambitious, delivering excellence consistently. The collaboration included ALB’s presence during the race weekend, featuring branding on both PREMA cars, custom digital content with drivers, limited-edition event integrations, and co-branded celebrations highlighting performance culture and community spirit.

This milestone reflects ALB's broader strategy to expand into national and experiential arenas. Building upon steady growth across retail, hospitality, and travel sectors—including availability on JetBlue flights—this venture further solidifies ALB's reputation as one of the fastest-growing independently owned spirit brands in the U.S.

Beyond the track, ALB® Vodka is celebrated for its premium gluten-free vodka crafted from American corn in Albany, New York. Known for its authentic story and commitment to quality, ALB® embodies New York's vibrant energy while expanding its presence globally.

Meanwhile, PREMA Racing continues to cement its legacy in motorsport history. Founded in 1983 by Angelo Rosin and Giorgio Piccolo, the Italian-based team has nurtured numerous talents who advanced to Formula 1, including Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher. With their expansion into North American open-wheel racing through the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2025, PREMA showcases its ambition to compete globally while maintaining its tradition of excellence.

This groundbreaking partnership not only elevates ALB® Vodka's profile but also amplifies PREMA Racing's impact on the international stage. Together, they exemplify how shared values can drive success in high-stakes environments like professional motorsports.