McKenzie Bailey Shares Long Road To National Prominence

McKenzie Bailey takes her final steps to capturing the 2022 UIL 5A State Championship

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McKenzie Bailey (Georgetown) is on her way to Oregon where she will expose to the country her running capabilities. The 2022 UIL 5A Girls Cross Country state champion qualified for the Team South Regional with a fourth place finish in The Woodlands.

Prior to Bailey winning a state title and running into the national championships, she had some interpersonal things to iron out. The TCU commit dealt with minor injuries, high expectations, and her personal/running identity. In a meeting of the minds with her mother, Coach Braun, and herself, the trio decided it was best for the standout to sitout and put running on hold.

After running 4:58 in the 1,600m and 10:53 in the 3,200m as a sophomore, in 2021, Bailey would pass on competing in the 2022 track and field season to focus on herself. 

It wasn't until almost weeks prior to the 2022 cross country season began that she arrived to a healthy and comfortable place where she could flourish personally and athletically. 

Competing against the best runners and teams in the nation this weekend, Bailey will have to display confidence and bravery to be her best self. That could come second nature; in the interview, she exhibited the bravery to eloquently break herself down and share how she exposed her imperfections. She took the self healthcare required that would enable her to become the healthy person and runner she is today.