Sports & Competition
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Deana Finkelstein Demarest Shines as Bergen Record's Female Athlete of the Week
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 12:11 GMT by NorthJersey.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Deana Finkelstein Demarest: Bergen Record’s Female Athlete of the Week
In a crisp November edition of the Bergen Record, the school’s star athlete was highlighted as the “Female Athlete of the Week” for her recent spectacular performance at the Bergen County Track & Field Championships. Deana Finkelstein Demarest, a senior at Demarest High School, captured the community’s attention by delivering a season‑best time in the 400‑meter dash and earning her team a podium finish. Her dedication on the track, combined with her academic achievements and community involvement, exemplifies the ideal of a student‑athlete.
A Record‑Setting Performance
The article opens with a snapshot of Deana’s triumphant race at the county meet held at the historic Bergen County Sports Complex. In front of a roaring crowd of parents, classmates, and regional coaches, Deana sprinted to a personal best of 52.37 seconds—a new school record and the fastest time among all female athletes in the county that week. The article cites the official meet results, which can be found on the Bergen County Sports Complex website, confirming her time and placing her third overall.
The Bergen Record notes that Deana’s performance was the culmination of a disciplined training regimen that began in the early morning at the Demarest High School track and intensified over the past four years. The article links to a photo gallery of her training, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at her daily warm‑ups, interval sessions, and video analysis provided by the school’s athletic department.
The Voice of the Coach
Coach Lisa Kline of Demarest’s track program is quoted in the story as praising Deana’s “unwavering work ethic and focus.” Kline, who has led the team for a decade, attributes Deana’s success to her commitment to both speed and technique. She notes that Deana spent an extra 30 minutes each week working on her transition from the start blocks to the finish line—an area that had historically been a weakness for many sprinters on the team.
The article includes a link to Coach Kline’s profile on the Demarest High School athletics website, which lists her coaching accolades and years of service. Readers can see that Kline was a former state champion in the 400m herself, adding depth to her coaching philosophy.
Academic and Community Excellence
While Deana’s athletic prowess steals the spotlight, the Bergen Record also highlights her academic record. The article reveals that she maintains a 3.9 GPA in her senior year, with a major focus on STEM courses. She is currently taking an advanced placement (AP) Physics course and is scheduled to attend the New Jersey STEM Academy after graduation.
Beyond academics and athletics, Deana’s volunteer work is also mentioned. She regularly participates in the local Bergen County Food Bank, collecting and distributing food to families in need. An additional link leads to a short interview she gave to the Food Bank’s monthly newsletter, where she talks about balancing school, sports, and service.
Family and Personal Background
The piece briefly covers Deana’s family background. She is the daughter of Michael Finkelstein and Elaine Demarest, both teachers at the Demarest School District. In a brief interview, Deana credits her parents for instilling “discipline and a love of learning” from a young age. The article links to a local community news piece on the Finkelstein family’s involvement in the district’s PTA and local charity events.
A Look Ahead
Looking forward, Deana plans to compete in the New Jersey State Track and Field Championships next month. The Bergen Record includes a forward‑looking quote from Deana: “I’m excited for the state meet, and I want to push my personal best even further. The team’s support and the coaches’ guidance have been instrumental.”
The article ends with an invitation for readers to watch the upcoming meet, where Deana’s future prospects will unfold. The link provided directs to the New Jersey State Track and Field official page, where live results and event schedules can be accessed.
Contextualizing the Achievement
Deana’s 400‑meter dash time places her in a rare echelon of high school female athletes in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey High School Athletics Association database (linked in the article), her time ranks in the top 10 for the state in the 2025‑26 season. For context, the state record in the 400m for females stands at 51.22 seconds, set by the legendary Lindsay White of Princeton High in 2017. While Deana is still a step away from that record, her performance already positions her among the promising talents poised to compete at the national level.
Moreover, Deana’s story reflects a broader trend in high school athletics: the growing emphasis on balancing sport with academics and community service. Her profile aligns with the Bergen Record’s recurring theme of celebrating well‑rounded student‑athletes who embody the values of perseverance, excellence, and civic responsibility.
Final Thoughts
The Bergen Record’s “Female Athlete of the Week” feature does more than spotlight a winning time; it paints a portrait of a young woman excelling in multiple domains. Deana Finkelstein Demarest’s record‑setting sprint, stellar grades, and dedication to service illustrate what it means to be a modern student‑athlete. As she prepares for state championships and future college prospects, the article offers readers a snapshot of a rising star whose impact will be felt both on the track and in the community.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a parent, or simply a local resident, Deana’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, supportive coaching, and community values—an inspiring narrative that will continue to resonate well beyond the final seconds of a 400‑meter dash.
Read the Full NorthJersey.com Article at:
[ https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/athlete-of-the-week/2025/11/20/bergen-record-female-athlete-of-the-week-deana-finkelstein-demarest/87297559007/ ]
