Ponaganset High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Induction Class of 2016
Eden Hindley-Spierdowis
Athlete
Class of 1994
Cross Country, Basketball, Outdoor Track & Field
Growing up in a family of runners, Eden Hindley Spierdowis ’94 was exposed to the benefits of running from a very young age. Between the ages of nine and 14, she was involved with the Thunderbolt Track Club in Cranston and began competing in meets not just in Rhode Island, but across the country. It was this experience that helped her develop a foundation in interscholastic sports.
During her time at Ponaganset High School, Eden ran, hurdled, jumped, sprinted and shot her way to championships and state titles with three different teams – cross country, outdoor track & field and basketball. Her athletic accomplishments came in addition to her commitments outside of sports, where she was a member of student council, art club, yearbook committee and the Rhode Island Honor Society.
A four-year member of the varsity cross country team, Eden ran her way to many awards and personal achievements. As a sophomore, she placed sixth at the state championships and helped her team take home the RIIL state title. That year, Eden was named captain and Team MVP, earning First Team All-State and First Team All-Division honors. She captained the team each of the next two years while securing Second Team All-State, Second Team All-Division, First Team All-Division and Woonsocket Call First Team All-Star selections along the way.
On the court, Eden’s speed and athleticism made her a skilled and aggressive defender for four seasons. Eden helped guide her team to consecutive Class A State Championships as a junior and senior and earned First Team All-State, First Team All-Class and First Team All-Division accolades as a senior captain.
Around the track, Eden dominated in hurdles and high jump and set a school record in the latter by clearing 5’4”. Eden received numerous accolades throughout her track & field career, including three all-division selections (first, second and third teams), a Woonsocket Call All-Star nod and three Second Team All-State distinctions. Eden ended her athletic career celebrating with her teammates as they captured the Class C title.
After graduating in 1994, Eden continued her athletic career by attending the University of Maine on a track scholarship. There, she was a member of the cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field teams. Eden qualified for the New England Championships in the 400m hurdles and was named an All-America East selection in the event.
Eden now lives in Corryton, Tenn., where she and her husband Bill watch their children, Will, Waylon and Rebekah, set running records of their own.