“It’s not just winning the races that I liked, because even if I didn’t win, I felt that I was winning at my personal goals.”

Zeal Kuku, ‘25, recently committed to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities’ D1 Track and Field team after a decorated high school career, and still has the upcoming season to look forward to.

Kuku set Minnetonka High School records after running the fastest women’s 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 4 x 100, and 4 x 200 relay in school history. Kuku also achieved the all time state best women’s 4 x 400 relay with teammates Evie Malec, Bridget Koller, and Claire Kohler.

Kuku first discovered her love for running in her childhood. “I was always a pretty active kid, so my parents would make me run laps to cool down.” Kuku always had a love for running, but her interest in track was piqued when her parents encouraged her to try the sport. “I stuck with it because I like winning, and I like the feeling that racing gives me: that boost of adrenaline.” Unfortunately, Kuku was injured during her sophomore season, but she was able to recover by the following year and won the Class AAA 200 meter dash at the state meet. She cites this success as one of her biggest highlights of her high school track career saying, “it was an amazing experience and opportunity that I got.”

Kuku looks forward to her time at the University of Minnesota next year, attributing her excitement for college to their track program as well as the support that the school offers their students. She also looks forward to staying close to family and is eager to stay in touch with her grandparents while attending the U of M.