Shylehn Ebuenga-Smith
— Junior, Track — Sprints/Relay
Shylehn is a hard worker and runs on the 4×200 and 4×400 relay teams, and anything I need. Shylenn has PR’d in all of her races and doing a great job coming off an injury-plagued sophomore year. I am so thankful she’s healthy. — Union girls indoor track coach Tony Stewart.
Your coach said you run in many different relay races like the 4×200 and 4×400. What other events do you compete in and which is your favorite?
I also run sprint medley relay, 200, 55 and, in the outdoor season, I run the 4×100 and 100. What I like about these events are that all of them are short, so I can give my full energy to run them all out.
Do you prefer competing in individual events or team events?
I like competing in team events because they are less nerve racking than running individually. Also working together with others athletes plays a role in relays.
Do you prefer the indoor or outdoor season? What appeals to you the most about each?
I prefer outdoor season because there is more competition than the indoor season.
Your coach said you had an injury-plagued sophomore year. What injuries did you have, what was the recovery process and how did that impact your outlook on the sport?
I had patellofemoral syndrome. I had to do three weeks of therapy in order to run again. My outlook on the sport didn’t change that much, but it made me nervous that the injury could hold me back from running in the future if it happens to come back.
Do you plan to continue running track in college?
I do plan on running in college.
How do you juggle training and your school work? Is it ever challenging to do both?
I always have to find time to do my work or else I cannot play a sport. In order to get my work done, I sometimes do it during my free time in school so I won’t have to worry about it later.
What other hobbies do you have besides track?
I play volleyball at the varsity level. In the winter, I sometimes go snowboarding with my family and friends.
Are there any other athletes — famous or even friends — that you look up to? Why do you look up to this person?
I look up to my boyfriend, Kris Edobi. I look up to him because, during the meet of champs, he pulled his hamstring running the 4×400. Towards the end of his recovery from the injury he was trying to better himself by getting back into shape. By the time winter season came he was able to accomplish many races as if he never had an injury. He showed me with hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything.
Have you set any goals for yourself in your sport? What are they and how will you accomplish them?
Because the 200-meter dash is my favorite event, I have set the goal to try to break 26 seconds. The only thing I can do to accomplish this goal is to work hard.
Thank you for your article highlighting some of my daughter’s talents. We are very proud of her, and were ecstatic upon finding this article. However, there is one mistake. Her name is Shylehn Ebuenga-Smith.
Fixed, our apologies.
Thanks!