Ke’Mauria Burnham is a two-sport state champion. Her love for track and cheer pushes her to succeed. The titles earned by this Luther High School senior represent everything she has put into her sports.
Becoming a two-time champion in pole vault was not easy. “It took a lot of dedication, long practices and learning to trust myself even when things didn’t go right the first time. But it’s all been worth it,” says Ke’Mauria. “Being coached by my grandmother is honestly such a blessing. She pushes me harder than anyone because she knows what I’m capable of and she never lets me settle for less.”
Ke’Mauria’s biggest strength in cheer is her energy and ability to lead. “I love helping people with choreography and pushing people to their best. This season, I focused on improving my leadership and tightening up my technique and I’ve come a long way,” she says.
Preparing for events takes focus. “Mentally, I prepare by visualizing my performance. I take a few minutes to calm my nerves, breathe and remind myself that I’ve trained for this. I focus on doing my best and leaving it all out there,” she said.
A big challenge high school athletes face is balancing school, sports and daily life. “Time management is key and I’ve had to learn how to stay organized and prioritize my goals,” she says.
Luther High School is a place where Ke’Mauria can grow both academically and athletically. The support from teachers, coaches and classmates feels like family. “The support I get from my parents, coaches, and fans keeps me going. Knowing they believe in me, even when I doubt myself, gives me the strength to keep pushing forward. I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” she says.
Her teammates offer another level of support. “What I love most about my teammates is how we lift each other up. We’re there for the wins and the losses and we always find a way to laugh and have fun. They make every practice and game worth it,” says Ke’Mauria.
The person who inspires Ke’Mauria most is her mom. “She’s strong, keeps me disciplined and has always believed in me. She has taught me to believe in myself and I wouldn’t be the person I am without her.”
Ke’Mauria wants to continue competing and growing as an athlete and a person after high school. Her goal is to attend college on a track scholarship and study business or psychology.
