In a remarkable end to his high school career, Jayden Keys has been named the Katy Independent School District Track Athlete of the Year. This honor comes on the heels of a standout senior season, where he was also recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on the 6A Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Super Elite Track and Field Team.
Keys’ success is deeply rooted in his family’s rich track and field history. His father, brother, and sister all ran hurdles, each carving their own paths in the sport. His father ran the 110-meter hurdles at McNeese State University, while his brother and sister competed in the same event at the University of Nebraska and Houston Christian University (HCU), respectively.
From a young age, Keys demonstrated exceptional talent. In his freshman year, he placed third in the long jump at the state championship after jumping 23 feet, 11 inches. By his sophomore year, Keys had improved his personal record to 25 feet, 4 inches. The same year he again placed third at state after jumping 24 feet, 8.25 inches.
“My freshman and sophomore years, I had back-to-back third-place victories; I really hoped I didn’t get third again,” said Keys.
Keys’ junior year marked his first time competing in running events at the state level. He placed third in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.82 seconds, third in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 37.23 seconds, and third in the long jump with a jump of 23 feet, 4.75 inches.
However, it was his senior year that truly set Keys apart. At the UIL 6A State Track meet, he broke through the third-place barrier, winning gold in the long jump with a distance of 24 feet, 6.5 inches, and in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 36.28 seconds. He also earned a silver medal in the 110-meter hurdles, clocking in at 13.62 seconds.
Not content with resting on his laurels, Keys chose to continue competing after the UIL State meet, participating in the U20 and Nike Outdoor meets. At the U20 meet in Oregon, he finished fifth overall in the 110-meter hurdles and sixth in the long jump, showcasing his versatility and competitive spirit on a national stage.
“I chose to keep competing because I had a good feeling I could make the USA U20 team, but I also wanted to compete against the best in high school and those on the collegiate level,” said Keys.
Keys’ senior season he marked his first time attending the U20 and Nike Outdoor events.
“During my junior season, I considered going to the U20 and one of the national meets, either Nike or New Balance, but I chose to go the junior Olympic route so I would have more meets and time to work on details in my race and jumps. I believed doing that would make a big difference in my upcoming senior season,” said Keys.
Looking ahead to his collegiate career, Keys has chosen to attend the University of Georgia, attracted by its strong academic programs, coaching staff, and the camaraderie he felt with the team. At Georgia, he plans to continue competing in the 110-meter hurdles and long jump, and possibly explore running in relay events.
“The school is top 25 in the country academically,” said Keys. “Coach Caryl is one of the best to ever coach and I wanted to be developed by someone that knows their stuff. I really like the way that she runs practices and thought I would fit in well. Georgia also has very good young talent that is going to be a problem in the next few years.”
Keys leaves behind a legacy of excellence at Katy ISD, inspiring younger athletes to live in the moment, run their race, put their trust in God, and trust their training.
“If you’re at the district meet, don’t worry about the state meet or if you’re at the state meet don’t worry about the national meets,” said Keys. “I had a problem with making everything about the state meet, but it’s not about getting to the state meet, it’s about doing the best you can at the meet you’re currently at. Now, I take in all the moments I can and enjoy where I am no matter if it’s big or small.”
Keys’ journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of a supportive family legacy.
About Jayden Keys :
Class: 2024
IG: @keys_3321
Twitter: @JKeys_3321
Races: 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles, Long Jump
Height & weight: 6-feet-1, 160 pounds
Runners he studies: Aries Merritt (Pro), Trey Cunningham (Florida State), Grant Holloway (Pro)
Favorite artist: Kanye West
Status: Committed to the University of Georgia
Favorite subject: Algebra
Shout-outs: Dad, Coaches, Trainers
