Kendall Wells is a senior cross country runner at Woodward but began competing when she was a sophomore. Wells first started running at Boiling Springs State Park during Covid with her grandfather and found that the experience was calming and brought her peace during the turbulent times. As Wells already had friends on the cross country team she decided to join the team and quickly found success in the sport.

“You have to be determined and ready to put your body through hard work. I think it’s also important to accept failure,” Wells said. “This is a hard sport and you aren’t always going to medal or set a PR, but you can always try your hardest. Having a positive mindset will do wonders for you.”

Wells is appreciative of the support she receives from friends and family in the Woodward community. She has found that joining cross country is like having a second loving family.

“This sport is different from any other sport you’ll ever be a part of,” Wells said. “When you are running in a meet everyone cheers for you – opposing teams, runners, and coaches. When someone pases you or vice versa you encourage the runner to keep going. It’s just a fun environment to be around with wonderful people.”

So far this year Wells and the Boomers have been successful with the team continuing to get faster at every meet. The girl’s team is currently ranked 14th in class 5A and Wells said that she is proud to be a part of the team and is looking to finish the season strong. 

As for inspirational figures in her life, Wells looks up to her grandparents.

“My role model would have to be my grandma,” Wells said. “She fought hard during her battle with cancer and was always kind, positive, and helpful. She was so close with the Lord and I want to be just like her. Once I found my love for running and the bond with God I felt more connected to her.”

After Wells graduates from high school she plans on attending college and working toward becoming an orthopedic physician’s assistant.

Photograph courtesy of Jonathan Betz