Seventeen-year-old Kya Crooke, a senior at Heritage Christian, has always had a love for sports. Her dad recalls the moment she first rode a two-wheel bike at just 2 years old. Since then, Crooke has had her hand in nearly every sport: soccer, basketball, track, tennis, golf, swimming -you name it.
Crooke’s true passion lies in track, with a particular love for the high jump. Crooke began her track journey in 2016 at the age of 9, and began high-jumping at 11. By seventh and eighth grade, Crooke began to realize her potential. “I started to take it really seriously,” she says. “That’s when I was like, ‘OK, this is what I want to do.’”
Crooke has since achieved remarkable success. She made Indiana history as the first person to ever medal in four individual events at the IHSAA state meet, and the first person to win the IHSAA state championship in both the high jump and long jump. She holds many records at Heritage Christian, even surpassing her own mother’s high-jump record.
Crooke’s notable achievements include being on Team U.S.A. for the U20 Pan American games, where she earned a silver medal in high jump. “I always dreamed of being on a national team, so it was incredible to accomplish that when I was 16,” she says. Today Crooke holds six different national titles. Her list of achievements seems never-ending.
Despite competition pressures, Crooke remains positive. “I need to be having fun when I’m on the track,” she explains. “If I’m stressed out and not talking to anyone, it’s just not going to be a good meet for me. I need to be smiling, having fun and talking to people. I’ve met so many great people at competitions because I enjoy talking to others.”
One thing that keeps Crooke motivated is the impact she has on younger athletes. “Little girls have told me they want to high jump because they see me doing it,” she says. “Being that role model for them definitely keeps me motivated.”
Crooke’s parents own the track club SocaSpeed. Her father acts as Crooke’s coach alongside Victor Johnson, and her little sister competes. “We’re like a track family,” Crooke says. “They have supported me in every single way, showing up to everything, always being there, giving words of encouragement when I’m having bad days. I have a great support system.”
Crooke has a few traditions of her own. Before every jump, she reads the verse on her bracelet, Philippians 4:13. On her calves, she wears one sleeve for U.S.A., and one for Saint Kitts, an island in the Caribbean where her father is from.
Looking to the future, Crooke has her sights set on high jumping in the 2028 olympics. “That is definitely my biggest goal, and what I will be working towards these next years,” Crooke says.
Crooke’s impressive accomplishments and relentless positivity make her a standout athlete with a bright future ahead of her.
Comments 3
This is awesome. Congratulations Kya!
Keep pushing, rising, shining, Kya! Way to go, girl!
So proud of who you are becoming! Keep up the great work.