The starting blocks, the steady breath, the anticipation of the gun—track has been a part of Jordan Hill’s life for as long as she can remember. “I have been running track since third grade in the county track meets,” she said. Over the years, her passion for the sport has only grown, pushing her to become a leader and a fierce competitor for Atoka High School.
Hill’s motivation comes from the legacy of successful athletes at Atoka and a desire to add her name to that list. “I am influenced to run track because there have been several athletes who have won state titles at my school, and I want to accomplish the same thing,” she said. One of her biggest inspirations is former Atoka track star Hannah Vanderburg, who now competes at Oral Roberts University. “I have always been inspired by her work ethic and strong faith.”
As a state qualifier last year, Hill has embraced her leadership role on the team. “My role on the team is to be a leader,” she said. “I was a state qualifier last year, and I am working to become a state finalist this year and hopefully medaling. I need to be someone the younger kids can look up to.” The team’s bond has played a big part in her growth as an athlete. “I think our team’s chemistry is great. We work hard in practice every day and support each other through all the highs and lows.”
Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks. “The most challenging moment in my sports career so far has been partially tearing my quad last season,” Hill said. “It was very frustrating for me because it was right around regionals, but I just had to push through the pain and trust in God’s plan.” Despite the injury, she pushed forward, qualifying for state and gaining an experience she will never forget. “Going to the state track meet was such an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to go back.”
Looking ahead, Hill hopes to continue her track career at the collegiate level. “My plans after graduating high school are to go to college on a track scholarship while studying to become a speech-language pathologist.”
