Newtown High School’s girls’ track and field team is striving for success at the South-West Conference, state, and New England levels this spring.

“It’s always a goal to get as many girls to qualify for postseason as possible,” Coach Becky Bourret said.

The Nighthawks have a mix of experienced athletes and newcomers whom the coach expects will bolster the team’s chances to do well.

Captains are Riley Powers (mid distance) Hannah Snayd (mid distance), Kayleigh Troy (hurdles and jumps), Angie Romano (sprints), Ella Hall (sprints and jumps), Kiera Budge (distance), and Kaelin Rising (throws).

“Kaelin will be an important member to our throwing ability this season as we are looking to find new talent. Izzy Khazadian is in her third season of track and hoping to find her groove in the throwing events along with newbie Amanda Reyes who has shown talent in not just throws but jumps and sprints,” Bourret said.

The biggest strengths for the Nighthawks appear to be jumping and hurdling.

“Our [jumpers] and [hurdlers] are ladies to fear this season,” Bourret notes.

Led by Troy, a solid group of returnees includes Aashni Shetty, Elizabeth Anesi, Ryann Los, and Lola Kessler. Newcomers Lyla Kopp and Bridget McCleary also provide depth to the NHS lineup.

New to the coaching staff is Mark Silverman, whom Bourret said during preseason has already improved Newtown’s short sprinters. Senior and all New England athlete Skyler Howard will lead the way with the help of fellow senior Eva Barreccelli and sophomore Grace Lyons.

Junior cross country standout Clara D’Amico is back after taking the indoor season off to focus on equestrian. “We have high expectations for her along with fellow juniors Grace Chiriatti and Jessica Zhang in the long distance events,” Bourret said.

“Excited for the season — 67 girls and a ton of returners who brought athletic friends. We had a very young and inexperienced team last year. A lot of sophomores who are now juniors with a season of outdoor and indoor under their belt,” Bourret said.

Newtown’s indoor girls’ squad was runner-up to Weston in the SWC championships during the winter campaign. The Nighthawks begin the season Tuesday, April 18, when Kolbe Cathedral, Pomperaug of Southbury, and Stratford visit Blue & Gold Stadium at 4 pm.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.