Layla Krayem has dealt with numbers for a good part of her high school career. For example, the Stevenson runner jumped over 100 places at last year’s Division 1 State Finals to finish 36th in 19:11.9. The senior ran fourth at this year’s regionals in 18:49.9 to earn her fourth and final trip to the state finals.

But while the clock is a constant companion for distance runners, Krayem’s most impressive number has nothing to do with time or running. What really jumps off the stat sheet is her 4.5 GPA.

“Her talent, compassion and leadership will allow for Layla to achieve great success in the next part of her career,” said Stevenson CC coach Rick Brauer. “Layla has always demonstrated a high level of perspective and maturity. Not only toward her running, but her academic pursuits, goals and her interaction with teammates. Her attitude, attention to detail and work ethic not only demonstrate the level of person she is but also represents her family as well.”

Krayem saved her best for last – she finished ninth at the MHSAA D-1 State Finals on November 4 to earn All-State honors. She ran a time of 18:14.8 on the course at MIS.

Despite her great success, Krayem will hang up her running spikes after track and field in the spring.

“I’m looking into nursing schools and awaiting acceptance from my top school, U of M,” she said. “I plan on continuing to run for myself and possibly joining a running club with my school but not competing at a high level.”

In her final cross-country season, Krayem had some strong runs, including fourth-place finishes at the KLAA and Wayne County championships.

When she steps up to the starting line of a race she isn’t focused on what time she needs to run or what runner she needs to beat.

“I try to go into a race thankful for the opportunity that I have and thinking of people who I can run for,” she said. “It’s always great to know I thought of someone for my race and did well for them.

“While running I always try to focus on running efficiently and taking the first mile with my legs, the second with my mind and positive thoughts, and the third with my heart, asking myself how much do I want to do well, which often gives me the energy and motivation I need to finish well.”

The strategy has certainly paid off for the four-time state qualifier, who finished 159th as a freshman and 149th as a sophomore before her big leap as a junior.

“Layla is the quintessential athlete a coach dreams of working with,” Brauer said. “Her ability to motivate her teammates, her level of compassion, understanding and quiet confidence has helped the girls program develop.”

Krayem was certainly proud of her team and their effort this past season.

“This year’s team was closer than ever,” she said. “We were able to encourage each other to think more positively, which helped to keep us excited to put the work in.”

Among the Stevenson team highlights this past season was winning their flight at the Lamplighter Invite and finishing fourth in the KLAA championships.

Krayem, 17, the daughter of Mona Krayem, offers some sound advice for young runners at the starting line of the sport.

“Have fun with it and trust your training,” she said. “There’s no shame in getting nervous, just think about how you’ve prepared and visualize yourself doing well or at least being satisfied with your results.”

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