Athlete of the week: Norris’s Kendall Zavala

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Kendall Zavala is this week’s Channel 8 Athlete of the week. She’s a senior at Norris High School, who was just given a special honor.

Zavala was named this year’s girls Cross Country Gatorade player of the year.

“When I found out I got that award I was ecstatic,” said Zavala. “It was definitely one of the highlights of my career ever since I was about a sophomore i kind of had my eyes on this goal.”

Kendall’s awards from her time at Norris are extensive. In her senior year alone she was a Class B State champion , she then set a Class B state 5k course record (18:23)

She was also Class B all-state and helped her team to a Class B state team runner-up finish.

“It’s very rewarding to be apart of such an elite community of people so I am just so honored and blessed to be able to do that for myself,” said Zavala.

The spark to start running was struck at a young age for Kendall.

“My grandpa is why I started running in the first place. I always run for him now. He passed away a few years ago.”

It was a spark, that grew into a flame fueled by family.

“My toughness definitely comes from my dad. We both have a ‘go get it’ mentality, and I really thank my dad for all of that.”

While this chapter at Norris may be closing, the Nebraska commit has her eyes set on new goals in college.

But, for right now she’s still focused on her final track season.

“Going to Nebraska is going to be amazing. But, yeah I do need to focus on this track season and get the job done. The future will be right in front of me.”