By Chris Cox

As a four-sport athlete there is no offseason for Shawnee High School senior Kailey Henry. She currently is in track season competing in the 300 meter hurdles, 800 meter race, and is a part of the 4×400 meter relay team. She also ran cross country, played volleyball, and was an integral part of the Shawnee Lady Wolves state tournament basketball team this past season. 

While many athletes would like at least a little bit of an offseason, Henry believes consistently being in season helps her be the best she can be.

“I think being in season definitely helps with my conditioning,” Henry says. “But I think if I wasn’t playing sports, I wouldn’t be doing anything. I’d just be sitting around. So, I think sports are really good for me.”

Henry also likes staying consistently in season because she loves to compete. From an early age Henry knew she was competitive. 

“I think I’ve always been competitive, especially as a child,” Henry says. “There are people around me that push me like my family. Having siblings definitely pushed me to be competitive because I’m always trying to one-up them.” 

While Henry is competitive and doesn’t want to lose in any race or game she’s a part of, she knows she has to carry herself in a positive way.

“There are going to be people that will try to bring you down,” she says. “But staying true to yourself, keeping a good mindset, and a positive attitude can only help you.”

She tries to pass that mindset on to her teammates as well. 

“I think I have a good mindset,” she says. “But I want to make sure the other girls on the team have a good mindset as well.”

Henry, who runs multiple events during the track season, plans on running in college. She is currently weighing opportunities but says she is leaning toward staying close to home and attending Oklahoma Baptist University.