Athlete of the Week: Mallory Kuehl wins Division III section title in high jump

Lincoln High School hosted the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III Track and Field trials and finals last week where 1,000-plus athletes competed in various events with hopes to progress to the Masters meet later this week in Davis. Fighting Zebras junior Mallory Kuehl competed in the high jump and won an individual section title finishing at five feet, one inch, tying her personal best. Kuehl has been on the track and field team at Lincoln High since her freshman year and also plays volleyball at the school. The Lincoln News Messenger asked Kuehl some questions and her answers follow. What is the best part about being on the track and field team at Lincoln High? Kuehl: "The best part of being a part of Lincoln High's track team is the community and culture that we all share. We all respect and support each other, which is a rare thing to find." How long have you been involved in track and field competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Kuehl: "I started track my freshman year to condition for my other sports and ended up falling in love with the sport. Initially, my basketball coach at the time and current high jump coach Shawn Hayes had suggested I join the team and immediately I shut down that idea because I hated running. He told me that I didn't have to run, I could jump instead." Did any of your family members play sports and if so who and at what levels? Kuehl: "My dad played basketball at the collegiate level at California State University, Bakersfield and won back-to-back championships. I owe most of my athleticism to him and could not have had any of my victories without him. My mom cheered in high school. My mom keeps me grounded and has taught me about the importance of a good mindset during competitions." You won the Division III section title in the high jump at five feet, one inch. What was going through your mind before that jump and how excited were you when you saw you won? Kuehl: "Thinking too much before my jumps messes me up, so before my winning jump, I try to keep my mind as blank as possible and start my approach before I have a chance to worry. After it was announced I had won, I was so excited and honestly surprised. Walking into sections, my only goal was to make it to masters. Taking first wasn't even in my radar." What are your biggest goals for the Masters meet and the rest of the postseason? Kuehl: "I'm hoping to get a personal record of 5'2" at Masters. Even if I don't move on, that is a result I would be happy with. In the postseason, I hope to build more strength to increase my vertical for next season. I'm hoping the next volleyball season will also contribute to building my strength." You also play volleyball at Lincoln High and won the section title in 2021. How are you able to mentally adjust to track and field after volleyball season and vice versa? Kuehl: "Both volleyball and track are very unique sports but help each other out in a way. Volleyball helps my vertical and track helps my speed and agility. The transition between the two is usually smooth because I have a season in between each so I get enough time to rest and prepare for the next sport." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Kuehl: "My favorite professional athlete is Allyson Felix because she sends a powerful message about women and is an amazing athlete at the same time." What has been your favorite class in school and why? Kuehl: "My favorite class this year has been leadership because I've learned skills that I can apply on the field as a track captain." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Kuehl: "I like alternative rock and my favorite bands are Foo Fighters, Green Day, The Offspring and Cake." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Kuehl: "My favorite food is a double-double plain with grilled onions from In-N-Out." Outside of school and running track and field, what do you like to do in your free time? Kuehl: "Outside of school, I work and hang out with my friends. I also coach a recreational youth volleyball team." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Kuehl: "I want to enter the medical field as a surgical nurse practitioner." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Kuehl: "Track is an extremely mental sport and regardless of your athletic ability, there will be bad days. Everyone has a different process but find out what grounds you had in those bad days in order to work toward consistency."