Oakwood’s Katelyn Young knows what it means to take a chance.
The chance she took in joining the Comets’ track and field team in the spring of 2017 paid off exponentially.
“I did track in middle school, but once I got to high school I decided to play softball because I have played that most of my life,” Young said. “Once I became a sophomore, I decided that I wanted to start doing track to get in better shape for basketball over the summer.”
Young was already on her way to an exceptional basketball career, earning AP Class 2A All-State honorable mention selection in 2017 and 2018. She went on to score a school-record 2,361 points in her four-year basketball career. The previous school scoring record was 2,314 points, set in 1985 by Stacie Calhoun.
By the time she was a junior, Young was selected first team AP Class 2A All-State, as she was as a senior, averaging 22.7 points per game with a high game of 34 points against Rantoul.
Young will continue her basketball career at Murray State beginning in the 2020-21 school year.
But preparing for that next step through her final track and field season will most likely be cut short as Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that the remainder of the 2019-20 school year will happen remotely.
The IHSA will release a statement today on the future of the 2020 spring sports season.
Waiting for the IHSA decision has not been in the forefront of Young’s mind, though.
“I have been running almost everyday and getting out and throwing as much as I can,” she said. “My mindset is definitely still working out and staying in shape along with throwing and trying to get better every time I’m doing something.”
Young had her eyes set on a shot put state title to finish out her career.
As a sophomore Young placed fifth in the state in Class 1A in the shot put with a 40-foot, 6 3/4-inch toss. She went on to place third at state in Class 1A in the shot put with a school-record 43-feet, 1 3/4-inch toss as a junior.
She also had her heart set on inspiring other Comets to take a chance on themselves and pursue their dreams.
“I want people to look at me and see how hard I have worked, how hard I am working and be able to do the same so they can become even more successful throughout the rest of their years,” she said.
“You should always work hard and chase your dreams. The hard work will pay off later in your life, so stay focused and keep pushing through.”
