By Joanna Chadwick
The 2025 state track meet at Cessna Stadium was doubly important for Derby’s Sanaa Truett.
She took third in Class 6A in the 300 hurdles in 45.65, and she immediately set her goals for the 2026 season. See, Truett was just 0.4 seconds from breaking the Panthers’ school record.
Truett also ran the opening leg of the 400 relay for Derby, helping the team finish eighth in 6A while setting the school record in 48.98 seconds.
This season she’ll do the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and possibly long jump.
The 300 hurdles is special, though.
“My favorite event is the 300 hurdles because it’s more of a longer distance and less pressure,” Truett said.
Hurdles is all about pressure, though. Pressure to get a good start, be fast, be technically and mentally strong.
“What it takes to do hurdles is confidence and keeping your form tight so you can go over the hurdles without extra movement,” she said.
“… Something I love about hurdles is when I’m racing, I don’t focus as much on the running in between. I focus more on the hurdle, which helps me in the race.”
Derby’s hurdles coach Hannah Neuschafer said that combining speed and technique is so tough, especially in the 300 hurdles.
“She has to maintain her speed while attacking each hurdle, precisely hitting all her steps, and demonstrating correct form for the fastest time,” Neuschafer said. “Sanaa has worked very hard so that her technical side is automatic, allowing her to be aggressive and drive to win.”
Over the past three seasons, Truett has grown in the sport and as an athlete.
“I have found myself and where I fit in the track space, and so I am better at the events I do now,” she said.
Neuschafer added: “The biggest improvement has been her confidence and consistency. Earlier in her career she was still figuring out the rhythm of the race, but now she attacks each hurdle with confidence. She’s really matured as a competitor and has continued to get better year after year.
