P1FCU Prep Athlete of the Week: Haylee Appleford, Asotin Track and Field
ASOTIN, WA- Asotin track and field athlete Haylee Appleford has officially signed with LC State.
As a discus and shot put thrower, she says she wouldn’t accomplish her dreams if it wasn’t for the support around her.
“I'm just really grateful for the opportunities that I've gotten and, I thank my family and my coaches and all the people that have influenced me to be able to take this next step," Appleford said.
Friends and family gathered to celebrate her signing day. During her time with the panthers, she recorded a career best 38 feet in the shot put, and 118 feet, 6 inches in the discus.
“I've been doing track and field since the sixth grade, and I worked really hard at it. When I got to the higher level of high school, I knew that I wanted to do that at a later state of college.”
She’s now taking her talents to LC State. The choice for her was an easy one, due to the personal bond with the throwing coach.
“He's helped with the throwing program out in Asotin before. I’ve done numerous camps with him at LC, and so I've grown a connection with him and I really like LC's program.”
The program at LC State has had a tremendous track record of success, and Appleford is no stranger to that winning feeling.
“It was really exciting to know that I was a part of league championships, and that I was able to come out with two first place wins in my favorite throwing events in track and field, so it was a really good experience.”
Appleford developed a love for the sport in middle school. It was something that came natural to her.
"I was always more known as the stronger girl growing up, because that’s just what I reached for, they needed stronger people to do those events, and really just what I tried and I absolutely loved them," Appleford said.
Her love and passion for the sport will carry with her to the collegiate level next season.
“I'm definitely excited for the training that comes along with college sports. I’m definitely excited to also travel, and see new competition that would come around with college sports.”
