By Angela Brunk
At Blue Valley High School, junior sprinter and jumper Maria Portela is entering the track and field season with big goals and a relentless drive to improve. Competing in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 4×1 relay, and long jump, Portela has already established herself as one of the top athletes in Kansas, and she’s aiming even higher this year.
Portela is especially focused on the 100-meter dash, where she hopes to set a new personal record and potentially challenge the state record. She also has her sights set on becoming a state champion in her sprinting events. After an impressive sophomore season that included third-place finishes at state in both the 100 and 200, a second-place finish in the 4×1 relay, and fourth in long jump, she has proven she can compete at the highest level. Her personal bests include 11.72 in the 100, 24.31 in the 200, and 18-8.5 in the long jump.
Her offseason preparation has been intense and disciplined. Training six days a week, Portela balanced club workouts with Hot Feet Track Club, strength sessions at Gym Ignite, and additional running and lifting with her school team. A major focus has been refining her running form, particularly improving knee drive, an adjustment she believes will unlock faster times. Goals for this season are to run 11.4 in the 100 and 23.9 in the 200.
Beyond track, she hopes to compete at the collegiate level and pursue a career in the medical field. Outside of school, Portela loves to spend time with family and friends, crafting, and going to coffee shops or the pool.
