Sophomore sprinter Journey Nunley is quickly becoming one of the faces of the Pryor High School girls track and field program, pairing explosive speed with a steady, team-first presence for the Lady Tigers.
Nunley competes in the 100 meters, 200 meters and the 4×100 relay on the varsity level, events that showcase both her quickness out of the blocks and her ability to finish strong. Making it to the state meet has already been a defining milestone in her young career. “Going to state and getting a new PR at every race is something I’m most proud of,” Nunley said.
Those performances, she said, come from the lessons sprinting has taught her about accountability. “Running in the 100 and 200 has taught me discipline and mental toughness,” Nunley said. “In sprinting all hard work shows and there is no one to rely on but yourself. Track has made me more confident and more responsible both on and off the track.” Coaches describe Nunley as a leader who embraces the grind and sets the pace in practice as well as in competition.
That same commitment shows up in the classroom. Nunley credits math teacher and coach Lo with helping her grow as a student. “Coach Lo is one of my favorite teachers because she really took the time to help me understand the material,” Nunley said. “Math hasn’t always been easy for me but she explained things in a different way until it clicked. She is patient and encouraging which made me feel more confident in class.”
Nunley draws inspiration from elite athletes and hard‑charging role models. She points to ultra-endurance athlete David Goggins for his relentless mindset. “David Goggins inspires me because he never gives up even when things get hard,” she said. On the track, she looks up to Olympic sprint champion Sha’Carri Richardson. “Sha’Carri Richardson is someone I look up to because she races with confidence and intensity,” Nunley said. “She shows that sprinting isn’t just physical it mental too. Even when people doubted her, she kept working and came back stronger.”
Closer to home, former teammate Ashlyn Masters set the standard for what it means to compete for Pryor. “A teammate who left a big impression on me is Ashlyn Masters due to her hard work, discipline, and her desire to win,” Nunley said.
Representing Pryor, Nunley added, is a responsibility she does not take lightly. “Representing Pryor HS pushes me to give everything I have and prove that our school can compete with anyone,” she said.
Ask her whom she runs for, and the answer comes quickly. “I would say thank you to my mom, dad, and coaches for always pushing me,” Nunley said.
