Jasper Smith '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Jasper Smith and I am a distance runner graduating in 2026. I wanted to run in 2nd grade and when my school team didn't allow 2nd graders, I joined a local running club. I made my first friends here and learned about training, eating, and sleeping right. I wasn't the right size for other sports, and running gave me a place that felt just right for me. 

One of my favorite memories of running, is winning my first race in 4th grade. Up to that point, I felt unnoticed as a runner. This was the first time I felt like people saw me and my potential. I worked really hard to beat a kid I'd been competing with all season. 

Running has been my passion ever since, influencing every aspect of my life. My grandpa was a runner, and ran his last half marathon in his 70s. Since I was six years old, our family has run together. It's something we can all connect about, even though we run at different levels. From running my first 5K with my mom when I was 6, to running my first half marathon with my dad this year, I have grown a lot as an athlete.

As a runner, I try my best to find ways to be the best I can. For example, when I was 14, I got a job at a local shoe store. This store has not only made me grow as a person and a communicator but has helped me grow as a runner. Without it, I wouldn't know what shoes I need, or how to fix problems with my feet or legs when they arise. I can also help people every day I work by sharing this information with my local running community.

Some of the successes I'm most proud of:

• Varsity team 9th, 10th, and 11th grade
• 3rd fastest 5K time in school history
• Part of the fastest trio on one team in Kentucky history
• Top 10 XC finishes at state 2022, 2023, 2024
• 4th place finish 2022 in 3200