Senior Kate Kaplanis is the kind of person who sets a goal and refuses to stop until she achieves it. From the moment she stepped onto the cross-country course as a seventh grader, she knew she wanted to leave a lasting impact. Over six years of cross-country and four years of track, she didn’t just compete—she dominated.
Kaplanis stepped up during her senior cross country season when she injured herself midway through the season.
“I continued to do cross country each year because of the connections I had created from the sport. Also, by enduring some of the most challenging workouts and meeting my best friend,” Kaplanis said.
Through early morning runs, grueling hill sprints, and the mental battles that come with distance running, Kaplanis proved that persistence pays off. Her name became known with dedication, and her teammates looked up to her as both a leader and a source of inspiration. Whether it was pushing through a tough race, or encouraging others to believe in themselves, she embodied the spirit of an athlete who competes with her heart.
“When I joined the team as a freshman, I was attracted to Kate almost instantly because I saw how she lit up the team and brought energy everyday to practice (even the early mornings) and how she inspired others to work hard, including me,” teammate Morgan Maynard said.
But Kaplanis’ excellence didn’t stop on the track. In the classroom, she was just as determined. Ranked in the top 20 of her graduating class with straight As, she balanced the demands of athletics with an academic schedule. While others might have let the exhaustion of long runs and late-night studying slow them down, Kaplanis thrived under the pressure. She approached school with the same discipline she brought to her sport, proving that her success was never-ending.
“Kate was very attentive (in class). She stuck with me during long explanations and never seemed to lose interest or get bored during the long lectures. She was wide awake, always had lots of energy, and always paid a lot of attention in class,” math teacher Matt Brown said.
Next year Kaplanis plans to attend Ohio State to major in some type of science/health major.
“I’ve always loved the science classes I took at GlenOak, and I want to use that passion to help people,” Kaplanis said.
Her journey is reflective of the power of her perseverance. Whether it was crossing the finish line after a grueling race or acing a difficult exam, Kaplanis never settled for anything less than her best. She is more than just an athlete and a scholar—she is a role model, and a leader to many, and proof that with determination, she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.