Sports and women. Two things that used to never go together, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that women would participate in high school sports to the same degree and with the same access as men. Junior Anika Wilson follows in the footsteps of many amazing student-athletes. She is a woman of the new day, she can remain an athlete, but is aiming high academically. Anika Wilson is a role model for the new day of the female athlete.

Anika Wilson has been on track since the 4th grade, the earliest you can start in Tahoma, and has been going strong since. Wilson said that her main reasons for joining were “it’s a really easy way to make friends, and also my family was on track.” Wilson even competed in the National Junior Olympics for her favorite event, jumping. She also enjoys getting to spend time with friends on the team during the season.

Even though the girls track team practices with the guys, there is no main conflict. “There is bantering and joking but nothing harsh,” said Wilson, which means a way more open and friendly track team for others to join.

For her future, she is aiming for a journalism degree. Though as a backup, Wilson would want a law degree. Thankfully because of her love for track, she would be able to go to college on a scholarship. Wilson gave more reason to keep doing track “well I can see myself doing track throughout college, which would be great.” Even in a sport, you can still aim high academically.

As a successful athlete and student, Wilson advised other women to “just do what you want, who cares what others think? Push yourself.” Every woman should go for it, not to prove yourself to others but to yourself.