Featured Athlete /// Kenzleigh Goans, California High School Kenzleigh Goans:
Raising theBar
Story by: Bryan Hudnell Photography by: Christiane Goans
The roar of a crowd is an exhilarating rush that most high school athletes cher- ish. For Kenzleigh Goans of California High School, the grand stage of a state cross out her best performance.
“Hearing the cheers of a crowd is very exhilarating and gives me adrenaline to run faster,” Goans said. “I enjoy the state races the most for cross country and track because I know that I’m racing against the best of the best. The harder the competi- tion, the faster it will push me to run.” Throughout her three years as a Pinto, Goans has competed against the top ath- letes in Missouri. She’s placed at the state
cross country meet in all three seasons and holds school records in As she heads into her senior season, Goans believes there is still more to achieve.
“No matter how good you are at something, you can always be better with hard work,” Goans said. “The drive comes from myself. My family also encourages me to succeed, but I love the feeling of excelling at something. I don’t think I would be where I am today without my competitiveness.”
Running is also a family bond for Goans. Her dad, Kenny, is the cross-country coach at California and has supported her every step of the way. was my middle school and is now my high school cross country
38 /// August 2024
coach. Not only is he proud of me when I achieve my goals, but he also supports me when I don’t. He does everything a coach can to set me up for success, and he’s part of the reason why I love to run so much.”
That support was crucial throughout Goans’ high school career,
omore seasons. Her family, along with the California community, rallied to her aid.
“My freshman year, after breaking the school record at Gans
didn’t compete again until cross country districts. I also had a hip injury the day before track sectionals in my sophomore year,” Goans said. “Fortunately, I was able to use my community’s pool to keep
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