Aiyanna “Yaya” Gibson
Glenpool High School
VYPE: Aiyanna, what grade did you start running cross country and when did you know it was the sport for you?
Aiyanna Gibson: I started running cross country when I was in 7th grade. I originally started running to condition for basketball but then I fell in love with the environment of the team, and the challenge of the sport. I had to work really hard on my mental toughness too.
VYPE: What is your favorite memory or moment as a runner?
AG: My favorite moment was my freshman year and me qualifying for state. I was walking with one of our seniors after our regionals race, when our coach came up to us and told us we made state. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
VYPE: What makes Glenpool a great place for you as a student-athlete?
AG: Glenpool overall is a great school. The teachers actually teach and care about all of us. The coaches push us to be better and never give up on us. Our education experience is top tier in my opinion.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite place to run or compete?
AG: I definitely like running at the Claremore meet. The scenery is pretty, and I don’t die running on it, since the course is one of the easier trails, in my opinion.
VYPE: Which teammate keeps everyone laughing, and who is the most serious?
AG: Preston Factor and Colten Kendrick are the ones that keep everyone laughing. I would say the most serious would be Coen Johnson. He just takes cross country very serious, so it’s all business for him.
VYPE: When you have some down time, how do you enjoy spending it?
AG: On my free time, I like to catch up on my tv shows and I like taking naps.
VYPE: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
AG: Mindset is what separates the best from the rest.VYPE: Do you have a favorite subject in school and a favorite teacher?
AG: My favorite subject is math just because I actually know what I’m doing and don’t mind doing it. My favorite teacher was my freshman math teacher, Mrs. Rogers.
VYPE: What’s the goal for life after high school?
AG: After high school I plan on going to college. I plan on going for physical therapy or engineering.
