Senior Amaria Kirby didn’t participate at the Drake Relays or the State meet her sophomore year of high school. She ran a 14 second 100 meter dash and consistently ran 28 seconds in her 200 meter dashes. Looking back at it today, Kirby is a completely different runner than two years ago.

“I worked out four days a week with people faster than me with more endurance,” Kirby said. “I worked on my confidence a lot as well.”

This hard work and confidence pushed Kirby into the top 10 sprinters in the state of Iowa. Her times dropped dramatically, running her 100 meter dash with a time of 12.42 and improving her 200 time to 25.7. Kirby looks to improve on her times yet again this year.

As a senior, Kirby is also looked up to as a leader on the team. With a competitive drive and eagerness to succeed, yet a fun and bright personality, teammates find that Kirby is easy to approach and talk to. Sophomore high jumper, Sara Hoskins, looks up to Kirby as a runner. “Amaria brings hard work and determination to the team,” Hoskins stated. “She always is encouraging to everyone and makes sure everyone finishes the workout.”

Kirby is fond of her teammates and hopes to make the most of her last season as a Lady Spartan. “What I like the most about the team is how close you get with your event and relay groups. Some of my closest friends are in those relays,” Kirby said. With this being her last chance at Pleasant Valley to run with this team, Kirby hopes to have no regrets at the end of her track season.

Kirby is looking to expand her running skills by taking on the 400 meter dash, hoping to help in her shorter sprints this season. With goals in mind, nothing can hold her back from achieving greatness.