Ryen Hughes is a junior here at Shadow Ridge who participates in both track and cross country. Hughes is a very promising athlete who competes with determination and works hard every day both on and off the track. She is dedicated to her sport and truly loves competing.
Like many athletes, Hughes’ journey has not always been easy. She has experienced both successes and challenges throughout her running career, but those moments have helped shape her into the athlete she is today.
Hughes said, “My freshman year I barely qualified for state by getting 4th place at the regional meet and then I flopped at state and ran the slowest time of my season.”
For most runners, the sport is a journey filled with both good and bad moments. Running requires determination, discipline, and a strong mindset, all qualities that Hughes continues to show. Despite difficult races or setbacks, she keeps pushing herself to improve.
Hughes also loves the environment that comes with being part of the track team. Beyond the competition itself, she says one of the most rewarding parts of joining the team has been the connections she has made with others. Track practices, long workouts, and team meets create an environment where athletes support and motivate each other.
“I have gained so many friends from different schools that I can hang out with on the weekends and race with,” Hughes said.
Her coach, Michael Smith, has also noticed the dedication Hughes brings to the team and the sport.
“Ryen Hughes’s best qualities are being tenacious, determined, and expressive,” Smith said. “Ryen is always looking at what else she can do to improve. Even hitting a new PR isn’t good enough for her. This is what makes her determined to be the best. She continues to work to make sure she never has a regret.”
Smith also added that Hughes’ personality is something that makes her stand out as an athlete.
“The best part about her is that she constantly wears her heart on her sleeve,” Smith continued. “She expresses all her feelings out loud, which is how I know exactly how she is feeling that day. All of these qualities make her an athlete that I would like to have each and every season.”
Hughes continues to work hard and push herself toward new goals. She currently holds the school record for the 3200 meter race with a time of 11:22.40, an impressive accomplishment that reflects the dedication she puts into her training.
Hughes said, “My goals for this season are to break my own school record in the 3200 and make it to state in two personal events instead of one.”
As the season continues, Hughes and the rest of the Shadow Ridge track team keep working toward their goals. Whether it is improving personal records, competing at meets, or simply encouraging teammates during practice, athletes like Hughes help make the track program a supportive and inspiring community.
Through both the challenges and rewards of the sport, Hughes shows that track is about more than just running, it is about growth, teamwork, and the experiences gained along the way.
