Sometimes, the best things in life aren’t planned. For Atoka sophomore Eden Eaves, her journey into track and field began on a whim. “I actually never planned on starting track,” Eden said. “I remember during 6th grade PE me and some friends were goofing off on the high jump mat. I guess I was jumping pretty good, because after that the head track coach came and asked me to join.”
That chance moment launched a successful track career that Eden has continued to build on ever since. “When I did join it, coach Braudrick told me he thought I would be a good discus thrower. He was right!”
While it was coach Braudrick who first saw her potential, he also became a motivating force in her development. “More than just convincing me to join, he inspired me to continue,” Eden said.
As a thrower for Atoka’s track team, Eden takes her role seriously—on and off the field. “My specific role is probably helping all the throwers,” she said. “I try and help people fix their form, and hype them up when they do good.”
Her goals for this season were big, but she rose to the challenge. “My goals this season were to break 100 in disc and 35 in shot, and I did both of them,” Eden said. “My hope was to go to the state meet again, if my current injury heals.”
Injuries, unfortunately, have been a recurring obstacle. “I had a basketball season-ending ankle injury my freshman year, and so the whole track season I was still recovering from that,” she said. “This year I hurt the same ankle two weeks before regionals.”
Still, Eden pushes forward. “My highlight of last season was making it to the state meet. As a freshman I made it for both of my throwing events, and I am still proud of that.”
Whether she’s cheering for teammates or pushing past adversity, Eden Eaves shows exactly what it means to compete with heart.