Kyla Jones '23 Recruiting Profile

I started running track in 7th grade to be more involved with my school. I’ve always had a natural talent for running, a gift that I share with my brother. He is also passionate about track, so he taught me the basics before I started competing freshman year and continues to advise and encourage me today. 

At my first middle school track meet, I was approached by the track coach for the high school I was planning to attend, and he insisted I would run for him when I got to 9th grade. This encouraged me to join the team, which would become an important part of my early high school experience. My dedication to track allowed me to make varsity my freshman year. When the season ended early because of Covid-19, I continued to train on the track and improve which taught me how to be more independent in critiquing and managing my workouts. During the offseason, I injured my hamstring and had to do physical therapy. This was a huge setback, as I had already lost my first season to the pandemic. I was determined to not lose another season, so I created a routine that I followed every day which allowed me to successfully strengthen and heal my hamstring. When the season started sophomore year, I was named captain, which taught me how to take charge and be a leader. I guided stretches, encouraged teammates during workouts and races, and helped the coaches with injuries and sharing important information. Unfortunately, my times were slower than the previous year, so I didn’t make it beyond league finals. This encouraged me to train more in the offseason and look up more videos and resources to help me improve. At the beginning of junior year, I was once again named captain and became more confident in the role. Although I suffered through plantar fasciitis and was forced to miss a majority of meets, I continued attending practices to encourage my teammates and do what I could to ensure they still had a successful season and present captain. While I didn't make it passed league finals again, I learned to be patient with my body and can't wait to come back healthier and stronger for my final high school season.

Along with running track, I do gymnastics and maintain a 4.0 GPA through diligent time management, routines, and organization. I am self-motivated and enjoy setting goals for myself, including graduating at the top of my class and finishing college early.