Freeman twins take track and field, cross-country by storm

Being an athlete in school can be a tough endeavor, especially when you’re in the process of adjusting to college life.  But for the Freeman twins, Kayla and Shayla, the goal from day one has involved giving back to their family, and eventually, the community as a whole.

Kayla, a freshman secondary education major with an emphasis in mathematics, and Shayla, a freshman secondary education major with an emphasis in chemistry, both want to be high school teachers in their respective areas of study. 

The first-generation college students hope to give back not only to their siblings (they are two of nine), but to future students.  Shayla says having an effect on someone in the teenage stage of their life is impactful, and that without a support system, it’s sometimes hard for students to cope with stress.

“I want to be the person that students can come and talk to when they need guidance,” Shayla says.  “High school was hard, but I had people who helped me, people I could always talk to.  That’s why I went into education as my major.  I’m a people person.”

The Freemans hail from Phoenix, Arizona and chose NAU because of the university’s prestigious secondary education program.  After showing some initial interest in the program, the twins were offered a spot on NAU’s track and field and cross country teams. 

When at Greenway High School, the sisters quickly became two of the top runners.  Shayla, who didn’t want to attend practice alone, invited Kayla, who originally had no interest in running, to join her on the track team.  After a few practice sessions, Kayla was actively engaging herself in running, and now holds some of the top track records at the high school.

Now that they’re in Flagstaff, Kayla says balancing time between school and sports is proving the biggest challenge aside from running at 7,000 feet elevation.

Both girls had to learn how to arrange a weekly schedule that allowed time for classes, practice sessions, and sleep, but they each said the positives outweigh the negatives.  Kayla says team travel has been hectic but fun, and that if it wasn’t for college sports, she wouldn’t be traveling at all.  Shayla says the experience has taught her to manage responsibility and learn the importance of time management.

The twins cite Pam Lowie, the Assistant Athletics Director for Academics, as their favorite adviser at the university.  Though they each struggled as first-generation students, Kayla says Lowie has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help them with any challenges.

“Pam helped us to adjust; she’s our magic solution,” Kayla says.

Since their arrival, both Freeman sisters have enjoyed their time at NAU, citing the weather and the sense of community as positive factors in their experience.

Shayla says each and every experience is one that can be used to help her younger siblings.

“They don’t necessarily want to go to college because they want to follow our older siblings, but Kayla and I are trying to show them that college is fun,” Shayla says.  “That’s what being a first generation student means to me.   We can help them.  It was so hard getting to college, and now, we can be that positive example for them.”