Joplin High School sophomore Kyrie Britton runs cross-country and track and also plays basketball for the Eagles. She is a multi-sport athlete who, despite her underclassman status, is ready to take on a larger role with her teammates this fall, “Since we lost a lot of seniors, I’m seeing my role as a leader grow – vocally and by example – really, whatever role my coach needs me to take on for this team.”
That willingness to sacrifice for the team is admirable, but Britton, like any good athlete, has her own personal goals, “I would like to run a sub 20-minute 5K, and go compete well at state. I don’t really have an ‘off-season,’ but I have worked on my strength because that was one of my main weaknesses, and I can already see and feel a difference in my body.”
Any improvement at all should have Britton competing at the state level, “At the District 2 (Class 5) meet last year I ran a 20:24 5K, and I was the third freshman to finish.” Britton finished her first high school cross-country season with a lot of hardware. She lettered and received the Eagles newcomer of the year award. She was also named All-District Honorable mention and All-Conference. “I missed state by three places, but all in all, I had a pretty good season.”
Britton’s passion for sports comes naturally, “My dad was a multi-sport athlete in high school and college. He continues with professional sports to this day. I believe my love for sports in general, but especially running, came from my dad.”
In basketball, Kyrie received offensive player of the year for the Eagles. She continues her training in the summer with her AAU squad, MO Legacy, which named Britton their defensive player of the year. She also lettered in track last spring and was the highest placing freshman in the 800m at Districts.
For now, Britton is content to savor the moment – to be a student-athlete and enjoy the friendship building that camaraderie and competition often engender, “I’m looking forward to getting to know my incoming teammates and being able to grow relationships with them and push them as I push myself.”
Still a sophomore, life plans are extremely tentative, but Kyrie would love an opportunity to play basketball, and possibly to run outdoor track in college. As of now, her career interests include sports medicine and becoming a veterinarian.
