She laces up her Nike running shoes. She’s set at the start line. The only thought rushing through her mind is winning. Beating the competition, getting the rush she craves.

The same thought process for every race; listen for the gun, don’t false start, run fast, faster, they’re catching up. Boom.

The gun fires and Sarah Kuchta is off. No more visualizing. All that lies ahead of her are hundreds of meters between her and first place.

Kuchta elongates her stride, controlling her breathing, doing her best to beat the competition.

Steps from the finish line, Kuchta falls, and with that, her competing days are over.

Kuchta was a high school student like any other. Her life was governed by grades and sports. However, sports would leave an indenting impact upon her life. It was more than just two hours of filler time to Kuchta. It was a passion.

Kuchta’s competing days were stalled with a condition called plantar fasciitis.

A tragedy would turn itself into a blessing. Kuchta retired her spikes and slipped on the coaching jacket.

“Spike, good job, you’ve got it,” said Kuchta to her volleyball players. “Convert onto D, stop the ball, nice block.”

“Stride out, yes you hurdled in three steps,” said Kuchta to her track athletes.

Year round, she is dedicated to the craft of giving kids improvement.

Kuchta watches her freshman athletes block shots, spike over defenders, and break their personal records.

Coaching at the lower levels builds a foundation and love for the sport.

With hair pulled back, and running shoes plastered on her feet, Sarah Kuchta experiences a time-old treasure.

The magic of watching an athlete succeed after struggle and turmoil.

She coaches for the look on each athlete’s face, that glowing smile, a feeling she once knew so well.