Keyaira Moore, a senior at Manitou Springs High School, has committed to UCCS. After graduating from MSHS, Moore will continue her path by competing in the division two cross-country program at UCCS.
Moore focused on volleyball, basketball and soccer as a freshman. Then, continuing in sports, she joined cross-country sophomore year after her friends convinced her to give it a try. “I ended up loving it. I’d never experienced such a supportive environment,” she said. “Everyone was there for each other, and we were competing as a team even with how individual the sport is.”
Running has been more than just a sport to Moore. “It’s been something I’ve relied on,” she said, “Especially when things got tough. Through running, I’ve gained discipline, learning the value of commitment. I’ve also gained resilience, pushing myself through setbacks.”
Andy Sherwood is the head cross-country coach and an assistant track coach at MSHS. Moore says he has influenced her journey towards committing to cross country in college immensely. “It’s quite an honor, really, to coach an athlete that works as hard as Key does. She is also an excellent leader and example for the younger runners on the team,” Sherwood said. “Her super power is her mental toughness to endure the quiet runs during the off season.”
Sherwood believes that Moore sets a great example and is feasibly approachable to the younger portion of the team. She is influenced by Chloe Bresnahan, a sophomore on the cross-country team. “Chloe Bresnahan has pushed to excel in this sport. She has been my biggest inspiration,” Moore said. “Her love for the sport is contagious.”
Another person that has influenced Keyaira Moore’s journey to committing to UCCS and cross country is her older sister Kayley Moore. Kayley Moore participated in track, cross country and running groups and clubs for most of her childhood. Although Moore stayed away from this until recently, her sister says they are similar because of their competitiveness.
Kayley Moore wanted her sister to pick UCCS because that’s where she attends college. She says they got closer during their freshmen and senior years of high school. “I got super bummed out that we were only able to enjoy the one year of carpooling to school and lunch time rants,” Kayley Moore said, “until we realized we could finally do it all over again 4 years later.”
Kayley Moore believes one reason Keyaira Moore chose UCCS is because of the time they spend on campus together. “She loves to have productive nights with me after practice; we find a spot in the campus library to do homework together,” Kayley Moore said.
Keyaira Moore has many goals she is striving to accomplish in college including studying to become an ultrasound technician. “Academically my goal is to complete a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Science,” she said.
Keyaira Moore has set athletic goals for when she heads off to college. “Athletically I am dedicated to staying healthy and consistent, so that I can successfully compete at the collegiate level,” she said.
Sherwood’s expectations for Keyaira Moore are high. “The sky is the limit,” Sherwood said. “She’s joining a talented group at UCCS. I think there’s definitely the possibility that Key garners All-American honors at some point in the next few years.”
Sherwood believes that Keyaira Moore is responsible for her success. “I can’t run every mile with Key. I just feel really lucky to play some small part in it,” Sherwood said.
Sherwood says that Keyaira Moore has grown in many aspects including confidence. “She has become a vocal leader on the team,” Sherwood said. Keyaira has learned discipline, the value of commitment, work ethic, perseverance, resilience and time management.
Although she is impacted by cross country, she also affects her teammates, and is a role model for younger players. “She is an excellent leader and example for the younger runners on the team,” Sherwood said.
Kayley Moore thinks that the opportunity that Keyaira Moore has is going to be good for her. “I’m proud to call Keyaira my sister and my friend. I can’t wait to see what this next journey in college brings her,” Kayley Moore said.
