MINERAL RIDGE OH-  In a standout interview on Episode 5 of YSN’s *Running Wednesdays*, co-hosts Anthony Hartwig and Rick Sypert welcomed freshman distance runner Kylee Molnar from Mineral Ridge. Despite being in her first year, Kylee has already become a key contributor to her school’s renowned track program, qualifying for regionals in both the mile and two-mile events, as well as in the 4×400 relay. Her quick rise in the team and the region is nothing short of impressive, and her perspective sheds light on what it takes to excel at such a young age.

When asked what it’s been like to make an immediate impact, Kylee was candid: “It’s been honestly really challenging. I mean, there’s lots of good athletes all surrounded all near me. So it’s kind of like surprising—not surprising, but fun in all sorts of different ways.” The challenge, she explains, is part of the excitement, and facing talented competitors only fuels her motivation.  Kylee’s discipline stands out, even among seasoned runners. Her training regimen involves running up to 40 miles per week at her peak—no easy feat for a high school freshman. She’s honest about the grind: “There’s a lot of work that I put into it. It’s like everyday training. Sometimes I don’t have the motivation, but we have to get it done.” Accountability from coaches and teammates, she says, is crucial to sticking with the program through tough days.

When Coach Sypert highlights that national elite runners peak at 55–60 miles per week, it gives pause to consider the level Kylee is already approaching. For her, endurance is key, and the relationship between body and mind is central: “There’s times when your body says stop and your mind has to tell it to keep going. What gets you through those moments? Just knowing that I’ll have a reward for doing all this in the end.” For Kylee, mental preparation is as important as physical. “A big thing for me is my mindset. I got to get my mindset in it so I’m ready for race day. I gotta make sure I go over all the situations in my head so then when I come to race time, I can just go out, run it like how I should be.” She admits that nerves are real—especially with the high-caliber competition in her regional races—but emphasizes that racing against the best ultimately makes her stronger and more excited.

Team camaraderie at Mineral Ridge is a driving force, too. Kylee describes her program as “one big family,” crediting the inclusive, motivating environment for pushing everyone to be their best. The presence of standout athletes like Ava Hewlett on her team has inspired Kylee, particularly when it comes to cultivating focus and the ability to reset after setbacks: “She gets that race out of her head and she just focuses on the next race that’s ahead of her.” No runner is immune to dreaded workouts. For Kylee, repeating 1,000-meter intervals is the lowest point: “I hate them so much. Like my coaches say, the things I hate the most, I gotta do more of.” On the flip side, she relishes speed work—especially 200m repeats—seeing it as essential to developing the finishing kick needed for top-level distance races. “Especially in that mile and the last 500 meters of that 32. Definitely it’s a must have.”

Behind every great athlete is a support system. Kylee is quick to thank her mom: “She definitely keeps me accountable for doing my workouts, doing my runs, takes me everywhere. She follows me in her car, make sure I don’t get stolen.” The humor and humility in her thanks sum up the grounded attitude that has fueled her early success. Though she stumbled into the two-mile “just for fun,” nearly breaking the school record in her first attempt helped her realize this was her event. Looking forward, Kylee is clear-eyed about both her goals and her rewards—like a celebratory crumble cookie at season’s end.  Young, determined, and supported every step of the way, Kylee Molnar’s interview is a portrait of a rising star—demonstrating that talent, hard work, and the right environment can launch even a freshman to the top of the leaderboard.

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