Atchley's Achievement: Freshman's State advance in 400m continues standout school year for DC girls

Posted Date: 04/28/2021

Fannin County Leader

Rich Hilliard

DODD CITY -- Success has come quickly for Kaylen Atchley.

Last October, the Dodd City freshman teamed with a fellow underclassman via a Top-10 finish at the district meet to lead the Lady Hornets to a second-straight team regional cross country advance.

However, she admitted surprise about advancing individually to the highest level -- the Class 1A State track and field meet -- in the 400m dash

"It was mind-blowing," said Atchley, on April 26. "I was shocked and proud of myself that I had made it."

Atchley finished second in the 400 at the Region III-1A Meet in April to advance to the State competition. She will vie at 6:45 p.m. on May 8 at the Mike A. Myers Stadium of The University of Texas at Austin.

Atchley again achieved during her freshman year of athletics by working out alone.

"I ran a mile a day to stay in shape," she said. "I also went to a track and would sprint as fast as I could and then walk ... with my dad timing me."

Her success continued a particularly successful school year in girls athletics for Dodd City.

In November, the Lady Hornets reached the volleyball regional finals for the first time since 2001 and sophomore Lindsey Mauppin advanced to State again in girls cross country.

In March, Dodd City won the 1A girls basketball title with 32-0 record.

In April, the Lady Hornets garnered the top district seed to the 1A softball playoffs, finishing in the top half of 15-2A -- which mostly includes 2A teams.

Overall, Dodd City stood tied for fifth in the annual Lone Star Cup 1A standings, through March 18 -- only eight points out of first place.