News Summary

Kylie Smith, a junior at New Philadelphia High School, is making a name for herself in cross country, following in her father’s footsteps. With impressive times and a strong family support system, Kylie is focused on her goals both on the trail and in academics, reflecting her dedication as she aims for future success at the collegiate level.

New Philadelphia’s Kylie Smith Shines in Cross Country

In the small but vibrant city of New Philadelphia, a rising star is making headlines in the cross-country scene. Meet Kylie Smith, a junior distance runner at New Philadelphia High School, who is not only following in her father’s footsteps but is also carving out her own incredible legacy.

Kylie’s journey as a runner started five years ago when she first laced up her shoes in seventh grade. Thanks to her father, Doug Smith, who is a well-respected co-head coach of the boys’ cross-country team, she has learned the ropes of the sport. Doug’s own reputation in the area as a former standout in both high school cross-country and track provides a solid foundation for Kylie’s growing career.

Achievements on the Trail

Kylie has already clocked some impressive times and recently celebrated a personal-best of 19:22.80 at the Ohio Cardinal Conference meet held at Wooster High School. This accomplishment earned her a coveted spot as a first-team All-OCC runner, and she managed to achieve a personal record that was about ten seconds faster than her previous best!

The support system in Kylie’s life is strong, with distance running being a family affair. Her twin brother, Kevin Smith, is also a top contender on the boys’ team, creating a competitive but supportive environment at home. With the coaching staff’s diligence, Kylie and Kevin can enjoy their family dynamics without letting it interfere with their athletic aspirations.

Aiming for New Heights

Having qualified for regionals last year in both cross country and track, Kylie has set her sights higher this season. While she’s yet to make it to a state meet—a personal goal she is keen to achieve—her determination is palpable. In track, she primarily runs the 1,600 and 800 meters, but also enjoys the excitement of the 4×400 relay. Kylie’s focus is unwavering as she seeks to better her times, especially after overcoming a plateau in her sophomore year.

Academic Star

But it’s not just her athletic prowess that sets Kylie apart. Juggling her sports and studies, she boasts an impressive 4.5 GPA and was recently selected for New Philadelphia’s 2025 fall homecoming court. This balance of academics and athletics showcases her dedication and discipline, qualities her coach often commends.

The Spirit of Teamwork

Kylie values the camaraderie built with her teammates, referring to them as her best friends. Despite the perception that cross-country is an individual sport, the team focuses on collective support and mental training. This unique team culture is vital to their success and helps each runner do their best.

Boys’ Team’s Success

As Kylie continues to excel on the girls’ side, the New Philadelphia boys’ cross country team ranks No. 1 in the state and has been delivering strong performances in recent competitions. This success undoubtedly adds to the excitement surrounding the entire program.

Future Dreams

Although Kylie has the potential to qualify for state meets—having just missed the opportunity last year by three places—her aspirations go beyond high school. She aims to run at the collegiate level but emphasizes that her immediate focus is enjoying her junior and senior seasons fully.

Kylie Smith is not just a rising athlete; she is a bright, friendly young woman who has already made a significant impact both on the trail and in the classroom. As she sets her sights on achieving her athletic goals, one thing is clear: New Philadelphia has a star in the making.

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