Kendra Bradley Ending Her Illustrious Career on a High Note

May 5, 2011

University of Kansas senior sprinter Kendra Bradley’s four impressive years on the track are quickly coming to an end, but even after she walks down The Hill later this month, her name will be in quite a few of the Kansas track and field record books.

At the 2011 NCAA Indoor Championships, Bradley’s 4×400 meter relay team broke their own school record, which they set the previous weekend, with a blazing time of 3:34.05. The time placed Kansas in the top-eight, which earned Bradley Indoor All-American status.

Along with the school record in the 4×400 meter, Bradley’s name is in the top-10 of two other indoor marks, including the 400 meter; as well as in the top-10 of the 4×100 meter and the 4×400 meter outdoor relay teams.

Instead of taking all the credit for those accolades herself, Bradley would rather talk about the people that have helped her the most when she describes her four years as a Jayhawk.

“One of my biggest inspirations has definitely been (Assistant and Sprints) Coach Brewer,” Bradley said. “I know she has a lot of faith in me and she obviously wants me to do well – she has probably had the biggest influence on me since I’ve been here.”

At the 2011 Jayhawk Senior & Scholar Athlete Banquet on May 2, Bradley was named the track and field Senior Athlete of the Year.

“When I won the award, it was definitely one of the happiest moments of my life,” Bradley said. “I was kind of surprised; I really didn’t think I was going to, when I found out, I started crying. Being named an All-American is the goal that all athletes want to accomplish. It’s an amazing feeling and I’m happy that I got to receive such an award.”

Even though she only has a few meets remaining in her Jayhawk career, Bradley still has more she wants to accomplish.

“Besides making it to Nationals like we did last year with our relay team,” Bradley Said. “I would like to make it in the 400m, because that is one of the things I have yet to accomplish.”

The senior from Leavenworth, Kan., will look to add her name to even more Jayhawk records on Friday when she competes in the 400 meters at the Arkansas Twilight Meet in Fayetteville, Ark.