The first competitive environment for sports most encounter is high school, where they are able to start an interest in sports. For others, the interest is a passion that starts young and works its way into many aspects of their life. For senior Kayla Friesen, this is the case. Friesen, who ranks all-state in cross country, was inspired by her father and has been running since her childhood.

“I started in elementary school,” Friesen said. “My sisters and I would do small track meets and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”

Of course, training as a young girl is much different than the two hour practices for high school. Friesen says that the difference between middle and high school training left her in shock when she first came here. Incredible amounts of training have sent her a long way, though. At last year’s conference, she broke 12 minutes in the 3200 meter run. Since last track season she has been able to bring it down to 11:34.

“When I got to that time for the first time I was beyond excited because it finally gave me the reality of potentially being able to be competitive at state,” Friesen said.

Friesen says that last year’s conference was her favorite memory she’s had of her years on the team. As much as she’s had good memories, though, Friesen has had her hardships.

“Also she has a lot of varied experiences that allow her to be a great captain. Due to anemia she knows what it is like to be in the back of a race and what it feels like to be conference champ in the two-mile,” senior Theresa Howe said.

Tendinitis caused her to lose a season her freshman year and ankle and hip issues took her sophomore track and summer training.

“I’ve encountered almost all injuries a runner can,” Friesen said. “Junior year, I found out I was anemic and spent all cross country season working to get my iron levels up.”

These injuries have not hindered Friesen’s progress, though. Even though she has had training time taken away from her, she has been able to make a return that Coach Ryan Banta believe is impressive.

“I’ve never seen someone make a comeback like that after such an injury,” Banta said.

Banta isn’t the only one impressed; most peers and fellow athletes think she has an inspiring story.

“Most runners would have quit at this point with all of the injuries Kayla has gone through, which is saying a lot because cross-country runners are incredibly determined,” Howe said.

All of her experience and success has influenced what she wants to do with her life greatly. Her three time through physical therapy have prompted her to study it at Mizzou; she wants to help other overcome what she has and be able to accomplish as much as they can.

“It’s really shaped who I am, and showed me what hard work is,” Friesen said.