Kendal Hamilton, an Anadarko High School senior, moved to Oklahoma at 14 years old. She grew up in Florida, where she was first introduced to running.

“I first got into running when my third-grade math teacher, Mrs. O’Hollaren, invited me to run a 5k with her that the University of Florida was hosting,” Hamilton said. “From there on, my running journey started.”

She only raced in mid-distance track events in middle school, but her freshman year of high school, she decided to join cross country and also run sprint races in track.

“I am in my fourth year of cross country, while counting my middle school years, this will be my eighth year doing track,” Hamilton said.

Sharing her passion with her teammates and classmates, Hamilton said, made the move easier.

“It helped me by being able to talk to people about my love for the sport and getting close with many,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton also serves as AHS senior class secretary and is part of both the National Honor Society and Indian National Society. She is a member of the Indian Club and yearbook, where she serves as sports editor. She is taking concurrent courses through Western College in Altus.

This year, Hamilton hopes to make state and reach 12 minutes in cross country, and also to make state individually in track. She knows she’ll have to push herself “to [her] max and farther.”

“I have to be determined and driven. I know I don’t lack anything of those qualities,” Hamilton said. “Also, being a good leader for my team, being there when they need me to push themselves to be the best they can be while they also inspire and push me.”