Sports Locker • November/December 2024 • Kenadi Harrison

Kenadi Harrison’s story isn’t just about stats or trophies—it’s about family, faith, and the bonds she’s built along the way. Growing up watching her brother, Landon, play basketball, Kenadi quickly fell in love with the sport. “He worked so hard and made everything look easy. I wanted to be just like him.” Her father, Brad, has also been a huge influence, coaching her from childhood and sharing his love for the game. “Dad has always been my biggest supporter, and his belief in me has kept me going.”

Kenadi’s time on the basketball court has been filled with highs and lows, but it’s the connection with her teammates that she treasures most. “Being on the court, celebrating not just my success, but theirs too, is what I love most.”

One of her favorite memories is beating Rolla in the district championship her junior year, a game they weren’t supposed to win. “We were the underdogs; Rolla was ranked number 1. When we pulled off that win, the excitement in the gym was unreal.”

In addition to basketball, Kenadi participates in track and field as a sprinter and long jumper. Running relays is where she finds the perfect mix of individual effort and team success. “Relays are my favorite because I get to run with girls I love, and we celebrate together when we succeed.” She’s been to the state championships multiple times, and her proudest track moment came when she placed 7th in long jump after competing in the grueling 4x4 relay. “I didn’t even expect to make it past sectionals. Standing on that podium was a huge surprise.”

Kenadi’s drive to improve comes from within, but she also draws inspiration from her family, especially her sister, Emily. “Emily played three sports in high school, and she’s always been my role model. She works so hard and cares so deeply for everyone around her.” Although they weren’t always close growing up, their bond has strengthened over the years, and Kenadi looks up to her for guidance both in life and sports. Kenadi is thankful for the support she also gets from her mom, Tesa, and her step-mom, Pam, and sister, Bree Meyer.

Not only does she have the support at home, she also gets it from her teammates, community, and coaches. “Both coaches, Garrett Wiggans and Phil Pitts, have pushed me to my full potential and believed in me throughout my high school career.” For Kenadi, balancing sports and academics is a top priority. With a 4.0 GPA and 30+ college credits already earned, she’s just as fierce in the classroom as she is on the court or track. While Kenadi’s athletic accomplishments are impressive— All-State honors in track for three consecutive years and the Carl Vogel Award for leadership—her parents are most proud of her character. “We are so beyond proud of Kenadi for all her accomplishments and awards, but more importantly, for who she is as a person.”

After high school, Kenadi plans to attend the University of Missouri to study health science, though she doesn’t see herself continuing sports at the collegiate level. “I’ll miss it, but I feel like God is calling me in a different direction.” She hopes to make the most of her senior year, setting her sights on medaling in four track events and achieving All-Conference honors in basketball.

As Kenadi Harrison sprints toward the finish line of her high school career, she’s not just crossing another milestone—she’s handing off the baton to the next generation. Every jump, every sprint, and every pass has been a step in shaping who she is, both as an athlete and a person. As the clock winds down on her time at Helias, Kenadi leaves the court and the track not with just medals, but with a legacy of teamwork, leadership, and love for the game.