Beginning her freshman year, magnet senior Kennedi Tolbert brings speed to the NC Cross Country (NCXC) team. Tolbert decided to start her running journey the summer before her freshman year after her friend, magnet senior Grace Amah, inspired her to join the NCXC family. Through the team, Tolbert gained a sense of community and passion for running.
“After high school, I plan to keep running, not really competitively, but just to run because running has become something I really enjoy. It is a good way to keep up with my health, and running with friends is just such a pleasant experience for me. I do plan to continue running 5Ks, and I am running a marathon later this year just because I have grown to love running so much,” Tolbert said.
Tolbert competes in 5Ks, or five-kilometer races, for the NCXC team and, over time, worked up to become the 15th fastest runner on the team. Prior to joining the team, she considered herself a sprinter and preferred faster-paced runs in comparison to long-distance running, so she learned how to pace herself over time with the team. Since her freshman year, when she struggled to finish a 5K, Tolbert has built up her strength and stamina to now run a 5K daily. With her hard work, Tolbert earned a spot in the state competition both her freshman and sophomore years and marked one of the top 1000 sophomore girl XC runners in GA.
“I have seen Kennedi grow into a more resilient and disciplined individual. As she worked through the mental toughness of the sport, she became someone who can now overcome the obstacles in her life. What inspires me about her is her confidence and her ability to shine in whatever setting she’s in. Kennedi brings enthusiasm and humor to the team. For me, cross country wouldn’t be the same without her. She’s always there to work hard, but also to provide the support and friendship needed by a teammate to make the sport even more enjoyable,” Amah said.
During her junior year, Tolbert experienced lung issues, which heavily affected her running. Filled with compassion, the NCXC team encouraged Tolbert to continue running and stayed by her side as she carried on with 5ks. Tolbert’s dedication to running despite her struggles inspires her teammates and motivates them to continue to try and push through, as Tolbert believes that nothing feels unbearable if the destination of the journey seems worth it. The team’s support allowed Tolbert to form a close bond with her running peers, which quickly became her favorite part of the sport.
“I think the team aspect is my favorite part of cross country, especially this season. Cross country is such an individually motivated sport where you have to push yourself, as others aren’t really relying on you to win as a team. The fact that we show up at 6 a.m. to watch everyone run and cheer them on and have connections beyond running is so refreshing. My favorite memory is a pasta night we had right before our region championship, and we carb-loaded with different pastas and treats. It really makes those seven-mile races on a Monday worth it,” Tolbert said.
As a member of NC’s international magnet program, Tolbert balances rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurriculars. Tolbert has worked to learn time management skills as she commutes to school and finishes practices late, leaving her evenings filled with homework. Tolbert also works a fast food job and takes part in various clubs at NC, including Model United Nations and Tribal Connections (TC), where she serves as the secretary. Her dedication shows through her work ethic, as Tolbert maintains her workload and extracurriculars.
After high school, Tolbert plans to major in business administration with a human resources focus at either Mercer University or Oglethorpe University. As Tolbert prepares to transition into college, she plans to use the dedication she learned from the NCXC team to conquer any future challenges. She will always remember the connections NCXC brought her and the passion it sparked for her running journey.
The Chant wishes Tolbert luck in her future endeavors.
