Support Kennedi's Dream to Run at Nike Nationals

Hello, my name is Kennedi Winbush and I am currently a senior in high school. Aside from my academics, I am blessed to compete as a track athlete. I run the short sprinting events, 60m-400m. I have been running and sprinting since I was a little girl in elementary school. Track has always been a passion of mine and one of the things that helps me stay grounded during tough times. Track has taught me discipline and given me something to look forward to in my future. I’ve met some wonderful people and made lasting memories. On 11/15/2024, I had the honor and privilege of signing an athletic scholarship to compete at the Division 1 collegiate level for Tennessee Technology University next year. While I am extremely grateful to have received an offer to run track in college, there’s still lots of work to be done.

When I’m not competing for my high school, I practice and run indoor track with a local track club. I do this to stay in shape and gain experience that will help me during the school season. Unfortunately, competing for a track club comes with lots of expenses. Aside from club membership and coaching fees, you have to pay for meet entry and the associated travel expenses.

One of my dreams and goals since I started running track is to compete in one of the National Track Meets hosted by a major athletic brand. These meets are not as simple as paying an entry fee and traveling to run; there are standards. You must have specific qualifying event times in order to compete. Unlike previous years, I meet the time requirements this season. With it being my last year in high school and having the times necessary, I really want to accomplish my goal of running at one of the two 2025 Nike National meets (Indoor & Outdoor). The Nike National Indoors is scheduled for March 13-16, 2025 and Outdoors is June 19-22, 2025. Entry for Indoor Nationals is already open.

Both are quite a distance from Tennessee. Indoors is at The Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory in New York and Outdoors is at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. The competition is a multi-day event that requires several overnight stays. Any necessary travel, lodging, and food expenses are at the expense of the athlete.

Competing at a National level track meet is a great way to get exposure for recruiting, brand deals, and networking opportunities that will last a lifetime. Being the eldest of 5 children, it is my continuous goal to set a good example for my siblings and motivate them to go far in life. That is why I hope to raise money to help fund my trip to a Nike Nationals meet in 2025 and fulfill a lifelong goal.