Over 100,000 miles, 50,000 hours and 9 years. Senior Nikki Keys’ entire life has been consumed with running. From the age of 8 years old, she has been a runner. It has always been her defining characteristic, and rightfully so. If she doesn’t win her race, she at least comes in the front group. That’s how it has always been.

“I love to run because it gives me the greatest sense of accomplishment whenever I do my best,” Keys said. “It’s my biggest passion and it’s just an awesome feeling whenever my hard works pays off.”

Her entire running career has been preparing her for right now. A runner’s senior year is the most valuable one. It is this year that colleges are scouting. It is this year that students are expected to be at their peak. And it is this year that decides whether or not their running will take them to the collegiate level.

“I’m feeling really good about my senior season! I’m just trying to enjoy my last year of high school and run the fastest I ever have. The cross country team is so awesome and I’m so lucky to have such a great group of people to spend my free time with! I’m going to miss them a ton next year,” said Keys.

This season has already been successful for Keys and the girl’s varsity team. Last year they were regional champions and this year they are expected to not only win district and regionals, but they are also anticipating to perform well at the state meet.

“Our girls team is looking very strong this season. We have a chance of medaling at state this year. I hope to individually medal as well and run much faster than I ever have this season,” Keys said.

Cross country coach, Kevin Helm, is also looking forward to see how Keys performs this season.

“I expect Nikki to have a banner year with her fastest times ever. She is running with great confidence this year,” he said.

Already this season, Keys has been proving him right. She has consistently been running her 5Ks (3.1 miles) in the 19 minute range, finishing in 19:32 and 19:24 in the first meets of the year. Last week, at the St. Andrew’s meet she finished in sixth place. Customarily she finishes in the top ten.

“Everyone knows that Nikki is fast, but I’m particularly proud of the leadership and mentorship she has offered to the younger athletes. She is simply a good teammate and encourages everyone on the team. Oh yeah, and she’s fast too,” Helm said.

From the start of her sophomore year Nikki has been captain of the girl’s varsity team. She has run on this same team since she was a freshman. Her mentorship and skill will be missed by her team mates and coach next season.

“My favorite part of coaching Nikki has been seeing her develop into an outstanding leader. She will do whatever it takes for the best interests of her team. She is like an assistant coach, and I enjoy our discussion over workouts, team building, and race strategy. It’s hard to think she will be graduating soon, and I’ll probably catch myself next year saying ‘Nikki’… and then realizing her absence. I’m so proud of the person and leader she turned into” Helm said.

Keys does hope to compete at the collegiate level next year and is currently most interested in running at a Texas school. She is expected to know where she will be taking her running career by the end of the semester.

“I want to want to run collegiately at the D1 level. I’m not sure where yet, but I’m excited to see where I’ll end up! As for the rest of my senior year, I’m just trying to soak in every moment I have left wearing a Vandegrift Viper uniform.”