Kayla Harp '20 Recruiting Profile

My name is Kayla Harp and I am a student at Tahlequah Sequoyah High School. During my time in high school I have set and achieved many goals. As a freshman, I was named a cross country All-Star, for my performance in a very tough group of runners.  I also found myself on the podium twice during my freshman year of track.  Those accomplished goals encouraged me to improve. Early into my sophomore season in cross country, I suffered an injury which took me out of most of the season. In fact, I returned to running at our regional meet. This was a turning point in my career. For the first time in my life, I had to rely on my grit and mental strength to get me through the race. It was a warm, dusty race, but myself and my team qualified for the state cross country meet.  Coming into the state track event, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I knew there was going to be very tough competition, but more than that, I knew there was a good chance my team could win a state title. I was not running 100% physically, but I was running 110% mentally that day. The race was intense, my mind battled my injury to the end, where placed 7^th in the event and qualified again as an All-Star.  My teammates all ran fantastic that day, the suspense was definitely building. The results were being tallied. We were tied for first place; however the other team inched ahead with the tie breaking calculations. It was such an incredible accomplishment for our team that day! We are already looking forward to next season!

My Christian faith is a huge part of my life and has been all of my life. Growing up, I was taught and believe my relationship with Christ is the most important thing in my life. During my victories and during my times of struggle and injury, I could find peace in knowing God is in control.  My injury last fall was a difficult time for myself. By keeping my faith in him, I learned the things He wanted me to learn in that trial. I also learned that despite how much I love running, it can be taken away from me in an instance; however nothing can steal my joy and my relationship with God.

My family has always been another important thing in my life.  I joined the Cherokee Nation Wings running club at an early age, which allowed me to take part in many 5K races across eastern Oklahoma. My parents were always driving me to wherever they needed to, so I could race on those early Saturday mornings. They also are my biggest fans.  They have always been there to push me and to set my goals high, because they believe in me.

I am enjoying my time in high school as a runner, but I am looking ahead to my future potential as a college athlete. My desire to go to college is strong. I love the bonds I have made with the running community and love the support from my team.  Running in college will allow me financial support through scholarships, but more importantly friendships.  These team bonds are what will help push me to my goals not only as a college athlete, but as a college student.