Hollis High School’s Tori Whisenant
Senior hurdler Tori Whisenant has spent her Hollis High School career chasing one thing: the records her older sister left behind. Now, in her final season for the Lady Tigers, she is determined to leave her own mark on the program’s tradition in the hurdles.
Whisenant, a senior, anchors Hollis in the 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and 200-meter dash this spring, embracing one of the most demanding event combinations on the track. The challenge is exactly what fuels her. “I’m inspired by my older sister who set school records in the hurdles that I’m determined to beat,” Whisenant said.
That competitive drive is rooted in preparation. She said she thrives on the adrenaline of race day, but even more on the payoff that comes from long hours of practice. “I enjoy the adrenaline of competition and the satisfaction of seeing my hard-work pay off,” Whisenant said. “If you want to be competitive, you have to put in the extra work.”
Away from the track, Whisenant is a well-rounded student who lists math as her favorite subject and credits Hollis High School English teacher Mrs. Manney as her favorite teacher. She said those classes have helped her stay disciplined in balancing workouts, meets and academics. Between events at meets, she prefers to recharge in the shade, talking with friends and staying loose before her next race.
Whisenant said track has taught her lessons that go far beyond starting blocks and finish lines. “Being coachable and being able to perform under pressure are the biggest lessons that being an athlete has taught me that I will need for the future,” she said. One day, she would even like to step into a new challenge on the track and try the shot put because she feels she could be good at it.
After graduation, Whisenant will trade Hollis orange for Oklahoma State orange. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in nutritional science, carrying with her the work ethic, composure and quiet confidence that defined her time at Hollis.
