Senior spotlight: Kali Karl looks to finish on top in final run with Auburndale team
AUBURNDALE - Kali Karl's impact on the Auburndale girls cross country team is more than just the times she puts up each week.
"Kali has gone to state each year since her freshman season and she brings that experience to our program," Auburndale girls cross country coach Joren Anderson said Wednesday. "She helps lead the team and pushes them in a positive manner and encourages and pushes (the runners) to reach their limits."
Karl was part of the Auburndale 1,600 relay team which won the Division 3 girls title in the WIAA state track meet last spring and is looking to add to that success this fall. Auburndale is the top-ranked Division 3 girls team in the latest Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association state poll this week.
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"I think she is still challenging and pushing herself to go out on top as a senior this year," Anderson said.
Karl, who also is a member of the Auburndale girls basketball team, recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about her passion for running, her top athletic moment and what her pre-race traditions are among other topics.
Do you have a certain nickname that your friends/teammates or family calls you?
'Kali Cat' or Kali Jo because my middle name is Jo. My uncle gave me the name Kali Cat when I was really little so people like to call me that all the time.
What is one thing that most people might not know about you?
I had a liver transplant when I was 3 years old and I have been doing pretty good since then.
What has been your most memorable athletic achievement?
Probably at state (track meet) last year when my teammates and I won the (Division 3 1,600 meter) relay and were state champs. That was pretty cool. I think it was the realization that all of our hard work paid off. It was just cool to be up (on the podium) and thinking. 'Wow, I did this.' I can't even really describe (the feelings) because I still can't believe it happened.
What has been your most embarrassing sports moment?
Tripping when I am running. I actually fell once and that was pretty embarrassing.
Do you have any certain rituals or habits before a race?
I wear the same socks all the time. Same headband. I pretty much wear the same everything every time I run. I listen to the same music before I run (a playlist) and then I eat the same thing, too. I like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a granola bar and gatorade.
Do you have any teammates that you are going to miss especially after this year?
Pretty much my whole team because we are all really close and even we have grown together.
What makes this team so special this year?
I think it is the ability for us to work together to be the best that we can be. We push each other too.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Archie from "Riverdale" (actor KJ Apa).
If you could go anywhere, what would be your dream vacation?
Italy.
What is your dream career?
Anything that can help make a difference in people's lives. I always have wanted to be a part of the Red Cross or the Peace Corps. I just want to help as many people as I can.
KALI KARL
Favorite sport: Cross country and track
Who is your favorite pro or college athlete: Allyson Felix and Steve Prefontaine.They are both pretty good runners and inspired me, especially Allyson because she runs a lot of the same races I have.
Favorite music artist or act: I like rap music and country too. I like Maren Morris and Khalid.
Favorite TV show:"Gossip Girls"
Favorite movie: "The Breakfast Club"
Favorite meal: Taco salads.