Committed: Reese Kasper

The Left Hand Valley Courier is featuring each of the nine Niwot High School students who signed National Letters of Intent on the Nov. 13 fall signing day to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From soccer to track and field, these athletes represent a diverse array of sports and dreams fulfilled.

For Reese Kasper, track and field was never the original plan, but competing in a Division I level sport was. Growing up as a gymnast, she dedicated years to the sport until surgery forced her to search for a new athletic pursuit. She found inspiration from her older brother, Payton, who had taken up pole vaulting. Track seemed like a fun option, so she gave it a shot. Now, Kasper has signed to compete at Kansas State University.

Initially, Kasper's main event was the 400-meter dash, but a decision to run the 300-meter hurdles at a meet for fun changed her path. After her first race, she found herself ranked among the top five in the state. That moment shifted her focus, and she never looked back.

"Track is a tough sport, but that's what I love about it," Kasper explained. "I realized I truly loved it during my sophomore year and made it my goal to compete in college."

Hurdling quickly became a passion for Kasper. "I enjoy how powerful I feel while running hurdles, and the hurdles distract me from the fact that I'm actually running," she says.

Like many elite athletes, Kasper has a set of pre-meet rituals that she follows religiously. The night before a race, she takes a hot bath, and on race day, she fuels up with oatmeal for breakfast and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before competing. Music is also a key part of her routine. Listening to "My House" by Beyoncé is a must for her. But perhaps the most meaningful part of her preparation comes from her mother, Sarah, who reminds her to reflect on three things she is grateful for before stepping onto the track.

Kasper is fortunate to have a consistent high school and club coaching team who work with her year-round. "Coach Darius Reed has had a major impact on me, not only as an athlete, but as a person," she shared. "He has pushed me to my limits and made me see my potential. Honestly, I see him as a second father."

Kasper's hard work paid off last season when she won a state title in the 300-meter hurdles. But for her, the victory was not just about the medal. "Winning the state title was incredible, but I'm most proud of the challenges I overcame to get there," she said. "I stayed focused, kept my head down, and in the end, I got out what I put into it."

Like many young athletes, Kasper looks up to Sydney McLaughlin, who currently holds the world record in the 400-meter hurdles and won gold in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics. "I try to have the mindset she has in running and in life rub off on me."

With a strong track and field lineage, Kasper's biggest supporters have always been her family. Her father, John, ran track in college, and her older brothers, Payton and Carver, are collegiate athletes as well. "Having them to ask questions and just talk about track has been invaluable," she shared. "My parents have been there for me through both success and failure, and I don't know what I'd do without them."

Balancing track with other aspects of life has not always been easy. Kasper has had to make sacrifices, including giving up tennis and missing trips for competitions. "It can be annoying, but when you love something, you have to sacrifice for it."

In her final high school season, Kasper's main goal is simple - enjoy every moment. "I don't want to take any opportunity for granted because soon I won't be wearing my Niwot jersey anymore," she said.

Her lifelong dream of competing at the Division I level is now a reality, as she has signed a letter of intent to compete at Kansas State. "The recruitment process was intense and stressful, but K-State just felt right," she said. "The coaches made me feel wanted, and I love the team dynamic."

Off the track, Kasper plans to major in business and marketing, with aspirations of becoming a realtor or an entrepreneur.

For younger athletes looking to follow in her footsteps, Kasper offers simple but powerful advice - "Have fun and trust the process. I always focused on enjoying the sport first. With that came giving 100% effort and pushing myself to my fullest potential. Be patient, celebrate the little wins, and remember that success will follow."

Despite her achievements, Kasper is open about the challenges she has faced. "Even I struggle with self-doubt and fear of failure. But I remind myself that anything is possible," she said. "Even the most successful people can be scared of failing, but that doesn't mean that they will, and that doesn't mean that you will either."

As she embarks on the next chapter of her athletic and academic career, one thing is certain - Reese Kasper is just getting started.