When Kayla Montgomery runs she savors every stride, knowing that one day it will become an impossible task and the happiness it brought her will be a cherished memory. The former Mount Tabor (North Carolina) High School distance runner’s ability to run will fade as a result of having Multiple Sclerosis, which she was diagnosed with during her freshman year.

As she battles the neurological disease that has no cure and slowly steals a person’s motor skills, Montgomery defied the odds and lowered her 3,200-meter run times from year to year as she climbed the ranks as one of North Carolina’s top distance runners. During her junior year she finished sixth in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State Track and Field finals with a time of 11:07.32. A year later she stood atop the championship podium having run the 3,200 in 10:47.74, just 1.66 seconds from the state record.

Montgomery also captured NCHSAA Class 4A cross country state crown by finishing the 5k course in 17:29.12 in her senior year.

“Kayla Montgomery epitomizes every lesson that we espouse about participation in high school athletics and activities,” Que Tucker, NCHSAA deputy commissioner said. “Her willing spirit – even in the midst of pain; her determination, and perseverance are examples for each of us to follow. The NCHSAA staff is proud of her accomplishments and continues to wish her the best in the next chapters of her life”

She now runs cross country for Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is majoring in molecular biology

Recently ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi told Montgomery’s story in an E: 60 video. Hear this remarkable story. 

Montgomery’s story is an example why student involvement in interscholastic athletics is a key piece to enriching their educational and life-long experiences and also displays how important the relationship is between an athlete and coach.