Kihlee Noel

Name: Kihlee Noel

School: Altoona Area

Age: 18

Grade: Senior

Sport: Track and field

Athlete of the week achievement: Noel set the District 6 meet record in the shot put with a throw of 40 feet, 8.5 inches and threw the discus 129 feet, 3 inches — a mark that would have broken the previous meet record, but Noel was topped in the event by another thrower. However, her distance was good enough to qualify her for states in the discus and helped Altoona win the team championship over State College.

Season update: Noel leads the Mirror Honor Roll in the shot put with a throw of 40 feet, 8.75 inches, and she leads the discus with a throw of 137 feet, 4 inches.

Coach Mike Adams’ quote: “Kihlee has been great this year. She has really worked hard to be one of the best throwers in the state. And all that work is paying off. She is one of the best throwers in Altoona history, and that has been fun to watch these last few years.”

Favorite teacher: Mr. Hallett

Favorite subject: AP Spanish

Favorite movie: “Spider-Man No Way Home”

Favorite food: Tropical smoothie

Favorite song: “Try and Love Again” by Eagles

Outside interests: Pickleball, volleyball and being with friends

Favorite professional team: Baltimore Ravens

Favorite college team: Maryland

Pro athlete most admired: Valarie Allman-Sion

Best athlete I ever competed against: State College’s Lydia Tate

Most influential person on my athletic career: Coach Kutz, Coach Shultz and Coach Adams

Proudest athletic achievement: Placing sixth at the state meet last season

How I got my start in track and field: “My seventh grade basketball coach told me she thought I would be good at throwing.”

Future goal: Place top five in both of my events at the state championships this year