Sports Locker • January/February 2025 • Allie Heather

All kids love to run, but as a little girl, Allie Heather had an insatiable need for speed. Her dad was the first to recognize Allie’s talent. “My dad used to tell me I was fast, but I never realized it. Not until I competed in the Lion’s Club Track Meet in 4th grade.” Sprinting immediately became her passion. “I love the competition. Every meet gives me the opportunity to show what I can do, and I love the feeling of getting a personal record. Running also relieves my stress and worries. Whether I am running alone or with friends, it takes my mind off life’s problems.”

Allie, a senior at California High School, is a kind and sweet young woman who radiates positive energy wherever she goes. She works hard and takes pride in how far she’s come after eight years of running. Today, Allie competes in both track and cross-country. The 400-meter dash is her main event, but she also runs the 200-yard dash, and team relays like the 4x200, 4x400, and 4x800. She started cross-country running as a training regime for track but ended up loving it so much that now it’s a major part of her life. “Running 3 to 5 miles keeps me in great shape and also makes the 400m dash seem way shorter.”

However, no sports career is without struggles. Allie almost didn’t sign up for track freshman year because the competition seemed so intimidating. “I’m not very good under pressure. The rankings get in my head and push me to my limit.” With the encouragement of her coach, Eric Stout, Allie ultimately decided to join. “I ended up loving it, and track has brought so many opportunities and friends into my life.” Allie credits Coach Stout with shaping her into a great sprinter. “He has more faith in my skills than I do and helps bring out the best in me. He always says to me: ‘Go do your thing.’ And he’s right. Instead of focusing on what others can do, I need to focus on my own potential and performance in every single race.”

Sophomore and junior year, Allie started seeing big results from her hard work. She made it to state twice and became the conference champ of the 400m dash. Last year she set a new overall personal record: 1:00:66 in the 400m dash. And her 4x800 relay team set a school record, 5 seconds faster than the previous one. What is Allie’s recipe for success? Accountability, good sleep, nutritious food, and most importantly, supportive family. “I come from a large family and I’m extremely close to everyone – they are the most important part of my life.” Allie is especially close to her parents, Jason and Lori. Her parents never miss a meet, and their presence seems to help Allie’s performance improve. “My sisters are also supportive of my sports and attend my state track meets.”

Allie recognizes she gets her independence and resilience from her mom. “She is the kindest, most understanding and independent person I have ever met. If she wants something done, she does it with a smile on her face.” Allie doesn’t take her close family bond for granted. “Some families are not close, but I can’t imagine a life like that. I know I will always have family around no matter what.” Allie’s ambitious goals for the future include completing a 400m dash in under one minute and qualifying for state a third time. As she trains for these goals, Allie’s work ethic and positive attitude continue to shine, leaving a legacy for younger athletes to live up to.

Next year, Allie plans on attending Lincoln University and pursuing a degree in nursing. “I want to become a pediatric nurse or become a nurse practitioner.” A dream which makes sense, since anatomy, physiology, and biology are her favorite subjects.

Until then, we can’t wait to watch Allie continue sprinting at record-breaking paces!