Evelyn Ayodeji '24 Recruiting Profile

The first memory of the track I had was the Olympics. I remember watching my mom's reaction as athletes around the world competed for gold, silver, and bronze. I could not wait until it was my turn to compete. Before I was able to, I got to watch my older sisters compete. From watching them I got to learn how to be consistent and hard working. I have always looked up to them and wanted to be just like them. My first year of track was 7th grade. I couldn't find an event that I was head over heels for and was always searching for another event to add to my list. Finally, I came across the high jump and found the event of my dreams. Before freshmen year, I had injured my knee, but I did not let that stop me from competing. Instead of my normal events, which had included the high jump, I competed in the shot put and discus. This was a tough year as I could not do what I was used to but over the season I found another thing that was important to me, my team. I made connections and what I believe to be lifelong friendships. This team did not let me back down and I found myself loving every new event that I tried.

Coming back from an injury was scary. But knowing that I had my mom and my team as support systems I got through the following years. In my sophomore year, I got back into high jump after being off for 2 years. I had to relearn everything. As frustrating as it was, I did not let it stop me from doing what I needed to do as an athlete. That year was my first year competing and placing at the 2022 1A State Championships in the high jump. 

Junior year I was excited to do it all over again, this time to make it to state for more than one event. I worked hard to get to the place I wanted to be. With the help of my wonderful coaches, who pushed and challenged me to do more than I thought I could, I was able to make it to the 2023 1A State Championships.

Over the years, I have learned how to be resilient, consistent, and hardworking. My team has taught me the importance of being a part of one, and I know that I wouldn't be here without their support. I also know that I would not be where I am without my coaches and the way that they have pushed me and encouraged me to every goal that I had set. I am excited to compete during my senior year and truly hope I can go beyond that. I believe that I would be able to continue advancing and improving under coaches who have the best intentions for me. And I can't wait to see what's in store.