Photo by Angelica Stillion
By Angela Brunk
Makenna Soukup, a senior sprinter at Salina Sacred Heart High School, is making the most of her final season on the track. Known for her speed and leadership, Soukup has already made a name for herself as a key contributor to the girls’ relay teams and as a strong presence both on and off the track.
This season, Soukup has set her sights on a return trip to the state track meet, but this time with hopes of a personal record in the 200-meter dash and another opportunity to compete with her relay team on the biggest stage in Kansas. “I’d love to go to state again in any event,” she told Vype Magazine. “But most of all, I just want to make the most of my last season with the team.”
Her hard work is already paying off. Last year, Soukup helped lead her team to a sixth-place finish in the 4x100m relay and an eighth-place finish in the 4x400m at the state championship meet. These accomplishments she is incredibly proud of. She’s also been grinding during the offseason, staying active with training to prepare for the final run.
Outside of athletics, Soukup balances a busy schedule. She’s the senior class president, a S.A.F.E. club member, and has participated in volleyball, basketball, cross country, and powerlifting.
Looking to the future, Soukup is headed to Fort Hays State University to study Health and Human Performance, with plans to become a physical therapist. Whether on the track or in the classroom, Makenna Soukup continues to set the pace, proving that determination, heart, and leadership go a long way.
