By Ale Ibarra Posted March 6, 2018
Being a student-athlete comes with a lot of difficulties, such as making time to do homework, getting enough sleep, and possibly having to give up free time. However, there are those who can balance all of these responsibilities and more. This issue’s athlete is Hailey Hinkle.
Hinkle has been playing sports since the age of nine.
“I have played soccer, basketball, track, and softball,” said Hinkle. “Track is my favorite because running has always been my passion.”
There is usually something or someone that inspires a young athlete to do their best, and gives them the extra motivation they didn’t know they needed. Hinkle recalls what it was that made her stick with track.
“When I was in third grade, my mom had breast cancer, and she was getting chemotherapy,” said Hinkle. “So, she couldn’t make it to my race, and I told myself I was going to win. I ended up getting first, and I remember how happy my mom was when I told her. Track makes me mentally stronger.”
Hinkle’s mom has definitely been her motivation since day one.
“She is my number one fan. She always tells me to be confident on the track and in everything I do,” said Hinkle.
Starting sports at a young age has made Hinkle’s life more complete.
“I truly think being in sports keeps you on the right course, involving grades and school work,” said Hinkle. “Sports as a whole have made me a better, well-disciplined person, and I better understand the value of hard work.”
Hinkle’s track coach, Grant Beatty, has acknowledged her as a dedicated and determined athlete.
“Hailey is an athlete who has tremendous potential, but also works very hard,” said Beatty. “She is one of the leaders of our track team, and some of the other athletes look up to and want to emulate her. Her best attributes are her positive outlook- she always has a smile on her face- and how coachable she is. She is an athlete who you only have to show her once how to do something, and she picks it up right away.”
Coach Beatty knows that Hinkle will pursue and achieve her goals because of her commitment.
“The biggest thing I’ve seen her improve upon is her work ethic and commitment to the track team,” said Hinkle. “She has worked hard all off-season, usually on her own, running and training to prepare for the upcoming season. She would like to run in college, and she is doing everything she can to achieve that goal, and the Lowry coaching staff believes she is well on her way.”
Hinkle is expected to excel in her best events during this upcoming track season.
“We expect big things from her in the 400m, the 300 Hurdles, the High Jump, and the girls’ 4×400 relay,” said Hinkle. “She has a great opportunity to score a lot of points for the track team this upcoming season. [She is] a great athlete and great person.”
