Sophomore Katie Wiesner is making an impact as both a cheerleader and a track athlete at Elk City High School. Balancing two demanding sports, Katie has proven that hard work and dedication are the keys to success. In track, she specializes in hurdles, while in cheer, she embraces the teamwork and energy that come with representing her school.

For Katie, motivation comes from setting and accomplishing goals. “Having goals that I can complete makes me feel accomplished,” she said. That mindset has helped her grow as an athlete and student, always striving to improve. Her biggest role models are her parents, who she says inspire her daily. “They work so hard to give me everything I want and need,” Katie shared.

Katie also credits Mrs. Bonner, a teacher at Elk City, with shaping her outlook. “She is a hardworking person and has the kindest soul to anyone she meets, no matter who you are,” Katie said. That kind of encouragement has fueled Katie’s determination to push herself in the classroom and on the field.

Success in her sports doesn’t come without effort. Katie commits to lifting weights, revisiting skills learned in practice, and staying disciplined. “It takes hard work to earn the spot or position you want,” she explained. That effort has already paid off with her favorite highlight moment: as a freshman, she competed with the middle school cheer team, and together they earned a second-place finish in their division.

While many athletes focus on rivalries, Katie values something else, and that is friendship. “Winning doesn’t really matter to me as long as we’re having fun as a team,” she said. She enjoys working with all of her teammates, noting that everyone brings something special to practice and that no one goes unappreciated.

Outside of athletics, Katie is also active in Student Council and FCCLA, demonstrating her leadership and involvement throughout the school. She looks up to Sloane Price on social media, admiring her positivity and ability to boost confidence in others.

To Katie, representing Elk City means more than just wearing the uniform. “I think I should represent my school well, whether I’m on social media or in public,” she said. “It defines me as a person, but also the people at my school.”