After asserting herself as one of the top throwers in the Northeast during her time as a Husky, Zara Northover is looking to continue her success on the global stage.

The senior business and communications major plans to spend the next year training, hoping to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Northover certainly left her mark as a member of the women’s track ‘ field team, setting the Northeastern outdoor shot put record with a toss of 54-feet, 1-inch during the preliminary round of the NCAA Championship as a sophomore in 2004. But she had to pull off a comeback that would make Rocky Balboa proud.

“My first two throws were horrible,” she said.

Head coach Sherman Hart recalled Northover sitting down before her final throw to compose herself.

“She sat down [and was] really focusing, [and then got up] and bombed one,” Hart said.

As a freshman, Northover showed she was a force to be reckoned with, capturing the Eastern College Athletic Conference title with a throw of 52-feet, 6.75-inches to qualify for nationals, the first time a freshman had accomplished the feat in Husky history.

But Northover, who also competed in the weight throw, javelin and hammer during her time at Northeastern, leaves behind more than a lengthy legacy on the field.

She was also a leader on the team from the moment she stepped on campus, Hart said.

“My mom always said I was a natural born leader. I love Northeastern track ‘ field. When they do well, it pushes me to do better,” she said.

No matter where she goes, Northover will be missed by those she leaves behind at Northeastern.

“Z has been great on and off the track, ” Hart said. “I can’t say enough good things about her. … I am truly going to miss her.”