Ashlyn Jacobsen, a senior from Campbell, has emerged as a formidable talent in both track and cross country, making a name for herself as a state champion in Hawaii. Her journey began at the age of eight during the sixth annual Strawberry Chase 5K in Ridgely, Maryland, where she donned a blue tutu, finished in 33 minutes and 47 seconds, and earned two awards: one for best dressed and another for first in her age group.
Reflecting on that first race, Jacobsen recalled, “When I was little, all those other sports I was doing, I was really, really bad at them. I was horrible. I am very uncoordinated. But after winning those medals, I thought, wow, this is something I can win.” This early success ignited her passion for running.
After moving to Hawaii following her eighth-grade year, Jacobsen honed her skills and began to envision a future in collegiate athletics. “I hadn’t thought about running in college until my sophomore year during track season,” she said. Her father, Keith Jacobsen, remains an active runner, often keeping pace with his daughter during her warm-ups. “She’s taken it to a different level. I never ran in high school,” he noted.
Progressing Through Challenges
Jacobsen’s high school career at Campbell has been marked by significant achievements and personal growth. Cross country coach Mark Inay recognized her potential early on. “As a freshman, she wasn’t the top runner, but she was eager to learn,” he stated. Over the years, Jacobsen’s hard work paid off, culminating in a second-place finish at the cross country state championships in 2022 and a seventh-place finish in 2021.
In track and field, Jacobsen became a two-time state champion. Her first major accomplishment came in May 2024, when she clinched the state title in the 3,000-meter run with a time of 10:39 at the John Kauinana Stadium in Mililani. “I remember starting that race with a vengeance,” she recounted. Her competitive spirit shone through as she sprinted toward the finish line, determined to secure her victory after narrowly missing the top spot in the 1,500-meter run earlier that season.
Jacobsen faced hurdles along the way, including injuries and challenges during her races. “My first 3,000-meter run at states was in 2023 as a freshman. I placed 17th and was pretty upset,” she said. A month-long recovery period allowed her to return stronger, evident in her performance at the HHSAA cross country state meet in the fall of 2023, where she finished seventh with a time of 20:33.
A Bright Future Ahead
As she enters her senior year, Jacobsen continues to excel both on the track and in the classroom, maintaining an impressive GPA of 4.125. Her commitment to academics complements her athletic aspirations, with dreams of competing at the collegiate level. “I definitely am proud. I’ve had to work to maintain my GPA while balancing sports,” she shared.
The support from her family has been instrumental in her success. Jacobsen’s mother, Danielle, who was a track athlete in high school, expressed pride in Ashlyn’s achievements. “I had to make sure that I didn’t have any caffeine and everything I ate was to fuel her,” she explained, reflecting on the dedication it took to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Jacobsen’s journey is not just about personal accolades; it is also about the bonds she has formed along the way. She has maintained connections with her teachers and classmates, including her sixth-grade teacher, Savannah Pate, who remains an influential figure in her life. “It was truly an honor to teach her,” Pate stated. “She is a student who continues to inspire those around her.”
With aspirations of running professionally, Jacobsen is focused on her upcoming college decision and the next chapter of her life. “I’ll probably miss having family with me,” she noted. As she prepares to leave for college, she reflects on the adjustments she has made since moving to Hawaii and the cherished memories she has created with her family.
As her high school career draws to a close, Ashlyn Jacobsen stands poised to make an impact in the world of athletics. Her journey reflects not only her talent and determination but also the support and love of her family, coaches, and community. With her sights set on collegiate competition, Jacobsen is ready to embrace the challenges ahead, confident in her abilities and the friendships she has built along the way.
