Bio

Major: Exercise Science

Minor: Chemistry

Kaelyn Halmon appreciates the welcoming culture at Union Commonwealth University and the supportive athletic teams. She describes the campus as “off the beaten path” but says she “hit the jackpot” with the friends, coaches, and faculty she has met. Coming to Union after a challenging recruiting experience in high school, she felt accepted by Coach Jelks, who welcomed her and her family with open arms, took time to understand her, and built a strong coach-runner relationship. Known as a leader and very encouraging teammate, Kaelyn looks out for her peers, fostering an environment where everyone can succeed without bringing each other down. She values peer leadership and the opportunity to help her teammates.

Outside of track and field, Kaelyn enjoys painting and spending time with her bunny, Memphis. Her favorite meal is when her mom cooks chicken and rice with gravy, cabbage, her dad’s field peas, cornbread, and a cold sweet tea. She likes to snack on Lays Dill Pickle chips during road trips. Kaelyn’s favorite subject in high school was medical terminology, and she looks up to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as her sport icon. She also enjoys softball as her second-best sport.

Kaelyn has dreamed of becoming a doctor since childhood, even having a Doc McStuffins-themed birthday party, where she would fix her friends' stuffed animals. Her goal is to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy, inspired by her track injuries and physical therapy experiences, which she sees as a path God put together for her. She describes herself as reserved and observant, often quiet until she feels comfortable. She hopes to be remembered for bringing at least one person to Christ, who has left a meaningful impact on their life.