Meet Kiley Langford, ’22: Athlete of the Week

By: Krissy Hetherington

Feature Image taken by Monica Aviles

It’s no surprise why Kiley Langford, a three-sport athlete, won last week’s Redwood Gigantea’s Athlete of the Week poll. Langford, ’22, was voted the winner by her peers for her 4th place finish in the Golden West tournament, 3rd place finish in the Mission Oak tournament the week prior, and natural athleticism and work ethic being a first year wrestler.

Langford is also involved in Water Polo and Track, and she’s a part of many other extra-curricular activities, including ASB and travel Softball. Langford is also a top-notch student, taking Honors classes and her first AP class this year.

First year wrestler

Already committing to two sports as a freshman and finishing out her sophomore season in water polo last fall, Langford was encouraged to join Girls Wrestling by the team’s assistant coach, Tony Ramirez, and the former head coach, Mr. Orosco, who is also one of her teachers this year.

“She’s one heck of an athlete and I saw her progressing in other sports faster if she did wrestling because it really compliments all sports she does now,” said Orosco.

As a multitalented athlete, Langford has tried a variety of sports throughout her life. Joining the wrestling team, she was excited to explore a new opportunity.

“By joining wrestling, I was further broadening my athletic capabilities and challenging myself in areas I had never done so before.”

Kiley Langford, ’22

On top of her natural athleticism, Langford pushed herself to get stronger both mentally and physically. Aside from mastering new moves, she said becoming a better wrestler is about staying focused and working hard, a mentality that will also benefit off the wrestling mat.

Her record stands as 16-7 and she went on to be undefeated in league matches. She took 4th place in the Golden West tournament and 3rd place in the Mission Oak tournament prior.

“Wrestling is the hardest sport that I have ever done, and seeing myself make such an improvement…just proves where hard work can get you…” said Langford.

Her strategy of taking on the season day by day started with her training and wrestling with Melody Hernandez, ’23, who has been wrestling since second grade.

“After years of wrestling, she’s become an extremely good wrestler. Each practice, feeling myself make improvements and stick with the level she is at has been a huge confidence booster,” said Langford of Hernandez.

In her first year as the new head coach, Rita Ramirez admires Langford for her coachable attitude, eagerness to learn and ask questions, and dedication to learning new moves correctly.

“There’s no set time frame on how quickly a new wrestler can become good. It generally takes more than one season, but Kiley has shown so much growth in this season alone. I’m excited about her future in this sport.”

Girls Wrestling Head Coach, Rita Ramirez

Leader in the pool

While joining the water polo team last year started as a reason to try something new and stay in shape, Langford quickly fell in love with the sport.

This year, she was one of the top scorers, a leader in the pool and an overall key asset to the team’s success.

Although Langford was a solid player for JV, Coach Howell definitely noticed and appreciated the type of person Langford is.

“She’s a stud athlete. I think she’s one of those athletes that it doesn’t matter what sport she plays, she’s going to have a natural athletic ability that will give her an edge but on top of that, she has an awesome work ethic and great attitude and those are things that make her a great teammate too.”

Varsity Water Polo Coach, Mieke Howell

Thanks to wrestling, Langford said she’s a tougher water polo player, which will pay off during future seasons.

Multi-talented track star

Langford started doing track and field as a third grader. Before starting high school, she spent summer of 2016 and 2017 on a travel team, Visalia Lightning. Her participation in the Junior Olympics prepared her for the next level.

Last year, she had a breakout freshman season competing in high jump, the 4×100 relay, the 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash.

Her stats from last season include:

• 100m PR: 13.57 (2.3) at the Redwood/Mt. Whitney Dual Meet
• 200m PR: 28.25 (2.0) at WYL Championships
• High Jump PR: 4′ 10 at WYL Championships to receive 3rd place
• 4×100 relay: 50.82 at the Redwood/Mt. Whitney Dual Meet

“If anything it is more of me talking to her as a person rather than coaching her as my athlete. She’s such a fun, uplifting individual…she does more than just listen to the advice she seeks, she executes it at practice, games and meets.”

High Jump Coach, Marla Acosta

Since the beginning, Langford has always been eager to learn and become a better athlete.

“I’ve known Kiley since 7th grade she has that work ethic and determination that makes her an elite athlete…whatever she puts her mind to, she’s very successful…she has such a bright future ahead and I can’t wait to see where she goes.”

Redwood Head Track Coach, Travis Roebuck

All-around great student

On top of her stand-out talent in all her sports, Langford takes part in ASB on campus and has been learning to balance three sports and excel in school.

As a well-rounded person, she represents everything ASB stands for. Langford applies the talents that make her successful in sports and academics to her work for ASB.

“At the beginning she was kind of quiet and unassuming but she has blossomed and is really talkative, she’s so sweet without trying…whatever she is going to do she does it well.”

ASB Director, Mrs. Aston

Throughout the last two years, Langford has juggled extracurriculars, athletics and academics. Whether she’s planning dress-up weeks or traveling for far-away tournaments, being a great student comes first.

“It takes a lot of determination and self-discipline to strive for the athletic performance, but I also want to maintain my grades,” said Langford. “Each sport requires hard work, determination, commitment, and focus.”