GAMES
RANKINGS
TWCA's Sarah Chappelle
No Hurdle Too High: TWCA's Chappelle Going for Gold
The junior will defend her TAPPS 300m hurdle title this Spring with hopes of leading the Warriors to the team title.
“Volleyball and track really complement each other,” said Chappelle. “Volleyball has helped me bring that team aspect into track, teaching me the importance of encouraging your teammates. Track has given me the endurance for those long, five-set games on the court, while also giving me a quick and explosive edge.”
Chappelle has learned from one of the best. Her older brother, Caleb was also a multi-sport athlete for TWCA, playing football and baseball. He now plays receiver for Troy football.
Sarah feels that learning from her brother has played a significant role in her drive to compete.
“Caleb showed me what a real work ethic looked like,” she said. “Before I had even touched a barbell, he was going in for early morning lifts, staying late after practice, and getting one-on-one sessions with his coaches to perfect his craft. He really led the way for me, athletically and spiritually, showing me what godly leadership looked like.”
The TWCA junior is banking on another big year from Chappelle and Warriors track and field.
“I’m expecting to see us do really well as a team,” Chappelle said. “Really, we have talent in every event, and we aren’t lacking in depth. I’ve enjoyed the offseason, coming into my second year as a captain. I’m doing my best to lead all my fellow athletes closer to God and encourage them. I’ve battled my annual track season hamstring injury, but thankfully by the power of God, I’m fully healthy and ready for the season. I’m striving to get some gold medals when the postseason comes around.”
TWCA's Taylor Makiya
Making Gains: TWCA's Makiya Already Showing Signs of Greatness
What’s most surprising, however, is how much momentum she’s gained having just picked up the shot a few years back.
“I first started competing in track and field in middle school,” said Makiya. “I decided to try shot put and a few other events in eighth grade and I really enjoyed it. After my freshmen year, the offseason felt really slow at first because I had to start up everything again. From there, I worked with a private coach on my form and worked in the gym.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
She exploded onto the scene as a freshman earning silver medals in the 2022 District and Regional Meets, before winning gold at last year’s State Meet.
She’s picked up where she left off this year, winning gold in the University of Houston Indoor Meet. On top of that, her performance for USATF has garnered three silver medals and a seventh-place finish in the USATF Championships.
“My goals are to build on last year’s successes and hit a new personal record,” Makiya said. “I also hope to grow in other events than shot put throughout the season.”
Makiya aspires to be like her role model New Zealand shot put star, Valarie Adams, because of the Olympian’s elite form and power.
For now, however, she hopes to launch the discuss and shot put through the air further than any other Warrior before her. She’s well on her way.