Rising Stars: Kinsley W.

At just 14 years old, Kinsley has already become the kind of athlete every team hopes for—and the kind of teammate that elevates everyone around her.

An 8th grader with a strong soccer background, Kinsley joined Elevated in the spring/summer of 2025 bringing competitive fire, grit, and a relentless work ethic. While she was newer to organized distance running, it didn’t take long for those instincts to translate. She made an immediate impact, pairing natural running talent with toughness, curiosity, and a clear commitment to getting better. Just as impressive as her performances is how she carries herself—kind, driven, and always putting the team first.

Kinsley is the definition of a wonderful teammate. She gets along with everyone, makes new athletes feel welcome, and shows up every day making it clear that running is a major priority in her life. She’s incredibly coachable, asks thoughtful questions, and takes feedback with maturity well beyond her years. One of her most unique traits is her ability to smile during races—a small but powerful testament to how much she genuinely enjoys the experience, even when it hurts.

On the Course

Kinsley’s PRs speak for themselves:

• 800m: 2:31

• Mile: 5:31

• Cross Country 4K: 15:39

But numbers only tell part of the story. What really sets Kinsley apart is her mindset. She describes her strength as the ability to run free—finding joy in the moment, releasing pressure, and letting the love of running guide her. That approach has already led to standout moments, including a podium finish in her very first cross country race, a 3rd-place finish at the cross country state meet, and breaking the 6-minute barrier in the mile.

Favorite Events & Big Goals

Choosing a favorite event isn’t easy for Kinsley. She loves the unmatched energy and team-first atmosphere of cross country—the excitement, anticipation, and memories built together. At the same time, she’s drawn to the thrill of speed, which is why the 800 meters holds a special place in her heart.

Looking ahead to the 2026 track season, she’s locked in on two clear goals: breaking 5:30 in the mile and earning a sub-2:30 800m. With her focus and determination, those milestones feel less like dreams and more like checkpoints.

Why She Runs

For Kinsley, running is about more than competition. It’s the satisfaction of a great workout, racing alongside friends, and tackling beautiful courses with trees and water crossings. It’s the relationships, the laughs, and the unforgettable EDT moments—donut relays, sweater relays, and everything in between. Through Elevated, she’s built some of her closest friendships, and it shows every time she steps onto the course.

Her advice to new runners reflects the mindset that’s fueled her success:“Run free. Run with happiness and excitement—because at the end of the day, it’s how you feel that really matters.”

Beyond Running

Outside of the sport, Kinsley enjoys hanging out with friends, youth group, reading, trips to the rec center, sleepovers, and traveling. Her favorite ChickenLegs design is the pink lightning bolts, with a strong nod to the matching animal graham cracker shorts that have become an EDT staple.

Pre-race fuel is always her dad’s pasta and garlic cheesy bread, and post-race celebrations are best handled with Chipotle. Among her favorite team memories, AAU Nationals stands out—traveling across the country and bonding with teammates is hard to beat. The cross country banquet also holds a special place as a meaningful and memorable team moment.