ZeeSpeed 2011 - The Fundamentals of Success
         
        I have been an avid member of Zeespeed for seven years. The program, 
established by my father, targets students, athletes and non-athletes, and aims 
to improve the character, endurance and the grades of each individual. It has 
triggered my athletic determination as I aim to become “best of the best” and 
also has empowered my leadership and teamwork skills.

        Zeespeed started out with three to four at-risk individuals looking to 
excel athletically and avoid the gangs of the area. While I was only six years 
old, I came out to camp early in the morning and acted as a spectator. I watched 
the individuals and noticed how hard each worked. One student, who had lost his 
mother, was at camp every day. He worked hard, and became a leader. I remember 
thinking that I wanted to be just like him. A few years later, I had heard a 
guest speaker preach that “you are only as best as the weakest person” and that 
“your success is in your hands.” I didn’t quite make out the true meaning and 
significance of his words until my freshman year of High School. I participated 
in Track and Field and attended practice every day. My coach announced the 
varsity runners a week prior to the first meet and I was disappointed that my 
name was not called. I was embarrassed but determined to return the following 
year stronger, faster and more confident. That summer, Zeespeed changed me. I 
ran my best every day and challenged myself by running with faster and older 
guys. It helped me gain confidence and improved my speed. I utilized all the 
free coaching and tips to improving my stamina. Outside of camp, I ran stairs 
and hills to ensure that I would truly be the “best of the best.” The following 
year of track, I noticed a major improvement; I was beating girls I had not 
before and kept up with the elite. I didn’t stop there though; I kept 
challenging myself at practice and ran on the weekends. My coach noticed my 
speed increase and praised me for always working hard. By the end of the first 
meet, I had proved myself to her, so much that she promoted me to varsity.

        I thank Zeespeed for the encouragement and opportunity to excel. I ran 
on the varsity relays in track, became one of the top runners on my team but 
most importantly, I became a leader. I mastered the idea that my success was my 
own responsibility. If I wanted something in life, I’d have to persevere and 
work hard to achieve it. I voluntarily started speaking more at Zeespeed. 
Although it was a big audience, my voice was important. I gave encouraging words 
and shared the importance of teamwork. Teamwork is something I learned from 
ZeeSpeed. It is the foundation, the groundwork of a dream. It provides support, 
encouragement and friendships, all necessary to achieving your goal. I brought 
the idea to school where I became more successful in working with different 
people to complete a group project.

        As I have completed High School, I am confident and eager to start 
Washington State University this fall. Zeespeed has taught me the fundamental 
principles to succeed: confidence, teamwork, determination, and leadership. I am 
ready to challenge myself at the next level. I will continue to stay healthy and 
engage in the many different activities on campus. I plan to become a member of 
the Multicultural Student Services, a leader of the College Success Foundation 
and obtain my medical degree. It will be a difficult journey but a journey I am 
more than prepared to make. 

        I owe my success academically and athletically to Zeeespeed. It has made 
me the person I am today: strong, determined, team oriented and confident.
 

Hayley Smalls
Stadium High School
Washington State University