North Cedar’s Grace Proesch a rising star

CLARENCE - North Cedar Coach Kirk Kettlesen's words about track and field describe sophomore Grace Proesch.

'Track and field is such an amazing sport because even when you win or set a personal record, it's not about that victory, it's about the constant urge to go out next time and strive to do better and improve more,” Kettlesen said.

Proesch is never satisfied. She celebrates with happiness for a few minutes and then reality kicks in and she already is setting new goals for next time.

If you've ever met or been a part of a team with a hard worker, then you'll understand what an honor it is to have this amazing inspirational girl as part of the North Cedar's girls' track team and set examples for the others girls.

Proesch doesn't only dominate on the track, however. She also is a star on the volleyball court, basketball court, soccer field and an A-plus student in the classroom. Proesch went to state track last year in the 1,600-, 3,200- and 800-meter relays. She hasn't lost any confidence this year. In fact, she's gained some. Proesch has done a bit of everything this season from the open 400s to 400 relays. Her teammates haven't watched Proesch do something she couldn't handle.

Proesch isn't a natural however. She has to work for it and definitely puts in her hours. She also has made some changes to her lifestyle to help her improve not only in track, but to make herself feel better. For example, Proesch has been eating healthier every day, every meal. Things like spinach leaves with walnuts and strawberries and even smoothies with all different kinds of exotic fruits. She also makes sure to get a healthy amount of sleep every night and lifts weights and does ab workouts outside of track practice.

This inspires her teammates to do the same and follow in Proesch's footsteps.

Proesch said a there are people who keep her motivated, like her older brother, Blake, who is stationed in New Mexico for Air Force training, and, of course, the rest of her family inspires her, too. She loves to make them proud and she loves their unconditional support. Her coach also is a huge inspiration. He never loses faith and always is pushing her to do her best.

Proesch is an outstanding runner and overall an outstanding person inside and out.

'I plan to always keep improving, but I also look forward to always pushing my teammates as hard as they can to their limit,” she said. 'Being on the North Cedar girls' track team is something I will never forget. Every one of my teammates believes in me and I believe in them. We are one big happy family and that is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”