For the past six years, Mikayla Vandergast (12) has been running her heart out, persevering through rough times, and keeping her love for running strong. When Vandergast was younger, she was never interested in anything athletically until fifth grade, when she ran the mile in gym class.

“After that day I realized that I really liked running and was good at it,” Vandergast said. “I just decided to try it, and I loved it.”

Throughout all of her years of running, she has had to overcome many obstacles, from mental blocks to physical injuries such as the time she gave herself stress fractures. When this happened, she was out for 3 months and it was a big challenge for her to keep going.

“Although it was hard seeing my friends going for a run and I was behind, my teammates still really kept me going. It’s just the bond that I have with them. They always reminded me that it was okay,” Vandergast said.

Outside of cross country, Vandergast is very busy with Orchestra, the CASS club, AP classes, and her social life. She has found it to be difficult to balance the two.

“It’s hard when I have days that I’m bouncing from practice to rehearsal, then my concert. I have a very full schedule almost always,” Vandergast said.

In her near future, Vandergast is planning on attending either IU’s Kelley school of business or University of Wisconsin Madison to be a lawyer or go into business. Vandergast is not looking to run in college unless a good opportunity presents itself. 

“I don’t think I’ll keep running, but I loved all of my years that I was able to do it. I’ve learned so many good life lessons that I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life,” Vandergast said.

Vandergast’s love for running and strong connection with the girls on her team has given her memories she’ll keep forever while letting her grow throughout her cross county career.