At Ada High School, sophomore Edyn Keefer runs with a purpose that goes beyond the finish line. Every race, every hurdle, and every practice is another chance to test herself, grow stronger and prove how much she’s capable of accomplishing.

Keefer competes in the 4×100 and 4×200 relays, along with the 100- and 300-meter hurdles. She first discovered her potential in sixth grade, when her speed on the softball field pushed her to try track.

“I’ve played softball since I was four years old, and I have always gotten told how fast I am around the bases,” Keefer said. “So, I decided to try out track and ended up being successful in it.”

Her commitment shows in her routine. Mondays, known as “Discipline Mondays,” challenge her physically and mentally, while the rest of the week is spent sharpening technique through relays and hurdle work. Even on weekends, Keefer is working to improve, traveling to Texas for extra training.

Before each race, she takes a moment to center herself—seeking encouragement from her coaches and visualizing every stride.

“I run the race in my head and visualize my steps,” she said.

The hurdles have tested her patience and focus, especially as she works to master the three-step technique. Managing asthma adds another layer of difficulty, but Keefer meets those challenges head-on, using them as fuel rather than excuses.

“I use it as motivation for my next race,” she said.

That mindset has already led to success. As a freshman, Keefer qualified for the state meet and became the fastest freshman hurdler in Class 5A in Oklahoma.

Now, her goals stretch even further. She wants to improve every meet, consistently three-step each hurdle and return to the state stage—while helping her team pursue a championship.

“We want to PR every track meet and hopefully win a state championship,” Keefer said.

While her coaches and teammates continue to push her, Keefer understands that belief starts from within.

“You can have everyone around you believe in you, but it doesn’t matter unless you believe in yourself,” she said.

With each race, Keefer isn’t just chasing faster times—she’s building resilience, confidence and a quiet determination that continues to carry her forward, one hurdle at a time.