Rising Stars:Baya S.

At just 10 years old, Baya is already turning heads as one of Elevated’s future stars. A 5th grader in her third season with the team, she has built an impressive resume of racing times that showcase both her talent and her work ethic. She has run the 800m in a speedy 3:01, clocked a 6:28 in the 1600m, and has powered through a 2k in 8:15, and a 3k in 12:23. Even over the longer distance of the 5k, Baya has put up a blazing 23:17 — proof that she can hold her own at any distance. All of these marks were set in previous seasons, and with her recent cross country win and the strong training she’s putting in now, there’s every reason to believe she’ll be substantially faster this season. Elevated can’t wait to see what kind of breakthrough times she posts in the upcoming season.

Her favorite race is the 3k, especially during the fall cross country season, where she thrives on the excitement and pressure of competition. Always setting the bar higher, Baya’s biggest goals include breaking the six-minute barrier in the mile and placing at nationals this year — huge achievements that she’s clearly on track to reach. Already, she’s proud of running under seven minutes in the 1600m, earning first-place finishes, and collecting new PRs that keep pushing her confidence forward.

Baya says her biggest strengths come from her teammates, coaches, and the discipline she brings to every practice and race. She also knows how to keep things in perspective, sharing her best piece of advice with new runners: “If you showed up, you’re already a winner!”

Off the course, Baya is just as awesome. She loves math, adores her dogs, and is known by her teammates as a total “silly goose.” Pasta is her favorite pre-race meal, a banana is her go-to post-race snack, and she always rocks her favorite “Silly Goose” ChicknLegs designs with pride. Among her many great memories, Washburn stands out as her favorite, thanks to the excitement and the fun she had with teammates. What she loves most about Elevated, though, is simple: the support and encouragement that make the team feel like family.

With her determination, speed, and fun spirit, there’s no doubt that Baya is on her way to becoming something truly special in the running world.