Kent City track and field all-stater Kylie Brown headed to Spring Arbor University

KENT CITY — As family and friends looked on, Kent City senior Kylie Brown inked her name to a national letter of intent to continue her track and field career as a Spring Arbor University Cougar next year.

Sprinters are expected to play a major role for the Cougars under head coach Kam Mills’ watch, and he believes Brown should fit into the picture nicely.

“We’re really excited about her coming,” said Mills. “She’s an excellent 400 and 200 meter runner, and she also takes care of business in the classroom.

“She’ll be a great leader on our team for years to come, I’m sure. I would say she is one of our top recruits, especially on the women’s sprint side.”

Mills added that he’s looking forward to building (1600-meter relay) teams around her and girls currently on the team.

He also hopes to see her competing at national meets in the 400 and 600.

Brown, the daughter of Chris and Brooke Brown, has certainly made her mark with the Eagles during her time on the team, earning multiple all-state honors, a state championship in the 1600 relay as a freshman teaming with Taryn Preston, Carley Denhof and Lauren Freeland.

During the recruitment process, Mills said that he and the coaching staff soon learned that Brown possesses a vibrant, personal faith. Spring Arbor is a Christian school.

“She has been a blessing for four years,” said Kent City girls track coach Jill Evers. “As a freshman, I don’t think she had any idea how good she was going to be.

“By the end of her freshman year I said, ‘Guess what … you’re going to run in the mile relay’. She got kind of good at it, and was state champ.”

She qualified for the MHSAA state finals in four events last year, but competed in only two because she was struggling with some injuries. She won both events.

“She’s top notch,” Evers added. “Quality, quiet and yet a coach’s dream. Does what you ask. She’s been great.

“I think the kids all respect her, because she never is cocky, she never flaunts anything. She just goes out there and does what is asked of her.”

Brown has not decided on a major yet, but is excited for the opportunity to get a college education. She currently has a 4.0 GPA at Kent City and will be one the Kent City valedictorians at graduation ceremonies.

All photo’s below are courtesy of Mary Wilson