Kady Ann Okamura '21 Recruiting Profile

It all started when I played baseball. I loved stealing bases. From Mustang to Pony, I would always steal on pitchers. The rush of adrenaline, the feeling of accomplishment when sliding or diving safe on base, I lived for it. When entering high school, I joined the softball team, and although I can't take leads or steal early, I still enjoyed it as much. I also joined the track team, not sure what to expect. In my first year, I ran a 13.73 in the 100m and because I was new, I wasn't sure what times were considered fast, but after realizing that I had a good time for a freshman, my confidence boosted, encouraging me to push myself even more.

In sophomore year, I participated in vars softball and vars track. Varsity softball was in spring, the same season as track, and at first, it was hard to balance playing two sports in the same season, along with getting my school work done. My regular schedule is to go to school, track, then softball, going home around 8:30 pm. Sometimes, the practices would overlap, and on those days, I would go to school early to run before my classes, then after school, I make it to softball.

So far, 2018-2019 has been my best year. Kalani High was invited to the Yamamoto Invitational on Maui, and being on the 4x1, we placed 1st. I've also had the chance to run in states, competing in the 4x1, ranking 14 out of 36.

Last year, the season got cut short, due to the pandemic. During quarantine, I've zeroed in on my goal to run under 13.00 seconds for the 100m. Striving to meet that goal, I have been working out at home every day. On sticky notes, I wrote motivational quotes such as, "no pain no gain," and, "consistency is key," and I posted them on my mirror and wall, places I often look at when I'm exercising.  

This year being my last to run in high school track, I plan to give it my all. I've never taken track as seriously as I have been recently, but when I have the opportunity, I will show that all my hard work has come through!