Photo Credit: John Roemer
Name: Mikayla Moxley
School: Linganore HS
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
My most memorable race was the 2020 Indoor State Meet 800m run. It was my sophomore year and I was gaining a lot of confidence in the event. I decided to go out with everything I had and to just hold on. I jumped out into the lead and never came back, I won my first state title in the 800m as a sophomore.
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
As I started to transition from the 400/800 to the 800/1600 my junior year, I really found my sweet spot. I was able to find the perfect distance that I could take on and compete throughout the season and even place 2nd in the 1600 and 1st in the 800 at the state meet my junior year.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
Covid definitely was a bump in the road. I had just won my first state title in indoors and was thrilled to see what I could do in the outdoor season that would follow, when everything was shut down. I didn't let that stop me and pushed myself even harder throughout the time I couldn't be with my team.
If you are writing a letter to your younger freshman self, what advice might you give them?
I would tell my younger self that the work you put in when nobody is watching is worth more than all the excitement after finishing a big race. All the glory is great, but you become a real athlete when you put the work in without all the cheers and congratulations. You find the love for this sport when it's just you on the track.
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I'm running cross country and track at High Point University. I picked HPU because it's a perfect fit both academically and athletically. I can't wait to continue doing what I love on the track as I work towards my future career.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
My favorite tradition is huddling up with my team before a meet. We always warm-up and then all come together to say some encouraging words before we get ready for what's to come that day. It's great because track is such an individual sport and I think just coming together for a moment to support each other is really important.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
I would like to say thank you to my mom who helped me find my love for running and always kept it fun. My dad always encouraged me just a little further than what I thought I was capable of. My coaches at both Linganore and Lightning who put hours of their time into helping me grow into the runner that I am today, I could not thank you enough.
Is there anything else you would like to mention that stands out over the past 4 years?
I have enjoyed every moment of my high school running career and can not believe it is over. I am thrilled for the next chapter and so thankful to have run in MD!
