Kiara Parker finished her high school career at Westlake High School as a five-time Maryland state individual champion and a New Balance Nationals All-American indoors this past year as a senior in the 60 meter dash with a third place finish. Parker threw down some blazing times this past 6 months in the sprints as Maryland's fastest including a 7.06 55m, 7.43 60m 11.51 100m, 24.01 200m, and 39.89 300m.
Originally from Arkansas, Parker (moved to Maryland as a sophomore) is now headed to back there to run for the Razorbacks at the University of Arkansas. Check out our Salute To Seniors series interview with Parker below!
Salute To Seniors: Kiara Parker (Westlake)
What was your most memorable race and competition?
Definitely 10th grade year, when I won my first state championship in the 55 meters.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
New Balance Nationals Indoor of 2015.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Getting third at NBN when people didn't even think I could make finals.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in High School?
I would change my junior year. I would have been more focused on the things that were important.
What were your most difficult obstacles to overcome?
Closer to the end of my senior, I had to deal with a lot of teachers getting upset with me because I was missing school because of all of my visits that I was taking and it didn't make things easier one.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my team the most. This year, we really got close and became a family .
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
1) Have fun! I cannot stress that enough.
2) Don't let anyone influence what you want to do in life and where you want to go. You're the one that's going there, you're the one who has to live with it . Make sure it's for you .
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach has had a big influence on me. He was the like the father I've always wanted so he was able to tell me how it is, and be real with me, which made me understand things better on and off the track.
What are your college plans?
My plans are to continue my college career at the University of Arkansas. #GoHogs #WooPig
Who would you like to say thank you to?
1) Huge thank you to God because I wouldn't be here without Him.
2) A major thank you to my biggest fan, my mother. She's come to ALL of my track meets and she's planning on coming to a lot more.
3) All of my supporters, my church family, my coaches, my team, and even my rivals. I love them all .
Is there anything else you would like to add?
To the incoming seniors, make the most out of your last year of high school. It goes by so quick and you don't want to miss ANY of it.
