Kaylie Shultz has accomplished plenty during her cross country career at Salina Central, but as she enters her final season, her focus is on making the most of every opportunity with her teammates.
Shultz is coming off a remarkable junior season that included a Class 5A state championship and several other major honors. Now, she wants to finish her high school career knowing she gave everything she had.
“I am really looking forward to spending my last season with my teammates and pushing myself to keep improving,” Shultz said. “I want to finish knowing I gave everything and made the most out of my final cross country season.”
Shultz spent the offseason preparing for her final campaign by focusing on several aspects of her training. She put in the miles on the road, spent time in the weight room and maintained a consistent focus on nutrition.
“During the offseason I have been putting in the miles, in the weight room, and have focused on my nutrition consistently,” she said.
Despite her impressive résumé, Shultz is still looking for ways to improve. This season, she wants to focus less on the pressure of each race and more on appreciating the experience.
“During this season I would like to work on enjoying the moment and giving everything I have every race,” Shultz said.
That mindset will be important as Shultz attempts to build on one of the most successful seasons in Salina Central cross country history.
Her junior season included a Class 5A state championship, an AVCTL Division I/II league championship and a Great Bend regional championship. She also earned the Bob Timmons Award and was named the 2025 Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year.
Now, Shultz has set her sights on making her senior season equally memorable.
“Some goals I have for this season are making the most out of every race, competing no matter the conditions, and competing at the highest level for my team,” she said.
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