Salute To Seniors: Hailey Odekirk (Hurricane)


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Name: Hailey Odekirk

School: Hurricane


What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?

I think senior year at state cross country. I was able to run one last race with all of my teammates and my sister.


Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

lol all the region 9 distance girls, they were great role models & set great times. This last season my sister became one of my biggest competitors as we would train all day, everyday & work towards each others goals.


What was your greatest accomplishment?

I think one of my greatest accomplishments was being able to accomplish my senior season goals and have the support from my coaches, family & teammates.


If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

I would definitely start sooner & not do softball lol. Also to make sure to enjoy each moment good & bad, & also trust the process no matter what.


What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

This last xc season I had some hip & hamstring injuries that caused me to miss 6 weeks of racing. It was not only painful to run but to watch my teammates run and get prs, while I was having to go to the physical therapist and simplify all the workouts. It was also difficult & stressful to make region and state my first races back but everything worked out well.


What will you miss the most?

I will seriously miss my teammates & coaches. I will miss all the early morning practices, meets, bus rides, and even hill week;) but I will mainly miss the relationship I was able to create with my sister and the true passion and love I have for running.


What advice would you give to younger athletes?

I would say Don't give up! Go the extra mile & find joy in running for yourself! It makes your training a thousand times easier!


What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

My coaches have helped me tremendously. They have listened to my goals and made sure to do their part as coaches to help me reach those goals. They make practice a time to have fun yet a time to work hard and give it all we have.


What are your college plans?

I will be attending & running for Utah Valley University this fall!


Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?

I would like to say thank you to my family and friends for all their support! And my coaches and teammates who have helped me throughout my years of running. Lastly I would like to thank my sister caila, who has helped me each day on and off the track. She is my biggest supporter, as I am hers.