Shadow Creek junior Mackenzie Roberson loves life on the track.

“I love the adrenaline of running,” Roberson said. “I love the adrenaline of track and field.”

There’s nothing quite like the feeling when she’s on the track.

“It’s just so exhilarating, and my blood is always pumping, and I just have so much fun,” she said.

Last weekend at the Carl Lewis Invitational at the University of Houston, she won the 400-meter run, achieving a personal record while running the eleventh fastest time in the nation.

“I had to just make sure I got out and just stay relaxed and finish strong,” Roberson said.

Finishing strong is nothing new to Roberson. “The gun goes off and it’s time to go to work,” she said.

Her finish in the 200-meter run at state last year was nothing short of incredible, coming from last to finish second in state helping the Shadow Creek girls’ team with the 6A state championship. Her time was 22.96 — running the fastest 200 time ever by a sophomore in the state of Texas while keeping her priorities off the track in mind.

“I try to tell myself that, ‘You’re a track athlete, but you’re also a kid,'” Roberson said. “Outside of this, I do have a life, and I have to make sure that I make time for my friends, my family, my schoolwork.”

McKenzi says she is thankful to her parents, coaches, and teammates for their support.

“I take care of business on the track and after that, no matter what happens, win or lose, I always enjoy the moment,” she said. “It’s really a blessing to be on the track. I’m grateful God gave me the ability to do what I do and that my parents are so supportive.”