Montevallo’s falcon logo; Courtesy: Montevallo Track and Field
By: Avry Zow
Months ago, freshmen Kylie Carroll and I’talya Curry were fighting to the finish line to win a race. Now they must come together to elevate the women’s track team for the next four years.
In high school, Curry attended Mary G. Montgomery with Carroll attending Fairhope. The schools are in an hour radius from each other, bounding the future falcons to eventually cross paths on the track.
“Me and Kylie have been running together for four years, so we always have this weird friendship or rivalry. So one meet she’ll win and the next meet I’ll win. It’s just a back-and-forth thing,” said Curry.
“Every time I saw she was going to be at the meet and in my heat. I knew I had a tough race ahead of me. I feel like going against her helped me push myself, past limits, I didn’t know I was capable of passing,” added Carroll.
Fall semester, Curry faced a hip injury and personal reasons prevented her from being able to practice. This caused her to miss the indoor season and focus on rebuilding for the duration of the outdoor season.
“At the moment, I am really living through Kylie and even though we have this weird friendship or frenemy thing. I still want her to succeed no matter what, even if it means me not being by her side,” said Curry.
Kris Carter, a sophomore on the team, recounts the bond between the two that he’s been able to witness in their first season at Montevallo.
“Knowing that I’talya is sitting out for track this year is kinda bittersweet,”said Carter,”but to see her at practice all the time supporting Kylie and… to see her in the front rail recording Kylie, screaming the loudest for her…there’s a good camaraderie between the two of them.”
Those feelings of support do not go unnoticed from Carroll as she gets ready for the upcoming outdoor season.
“She’s a great athlete and friend. Competition aside, she’s a super cool person and I’m glad we ended up on the same college track team. I don’t think things could’ve worked out in a better way,” said Carroll.
“Sometimes I see her and still think about how intimidating she was when I didn’t know her, and only knew her as a competitor. I’m glad I have someone I know from high school on the team.She’s a built in friend, and I cannot wait for her to compete again,” continued Carroll.
Head coach of the track and field team at Montevallo,Thomas Barksdale, shares the importance of being supportive of one another on his team through the ups and downs of the season.
“Everyone on the team matters.Those that are hurt can do so much more of pumping up with athletes by even just showing up to practice.That also allows their teammates to support them because they know that their still showing up and that their still trying to do something whether its timing or what not that gives them that team atmosphere,” said Barksdale.
To keep up with Curry and Carroll, visit the track and field teams website for their upcoming outdoor season schedule.
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