Woodward High School’s Khloe Clemence
Woodward senior distance runner Khloe Clemence views every lap as an opportunity to honor something bigger than a stopwatch. As one of the Boomers’ top middle- and long-distance athletes, she has built her high school career on consistency, quiet toughness and a faith-first approach that shapes everything she does on and off the track.
Clemence, a 12th grader at Woodward High School, specializes in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters and will occasionally jump into the 400 or the 4×400 relay when her team needs her. The demands of those events have reinforced a simple but challenging set of lessons. “Athletics have taught me hard work, dedication, consistency, perseverance, and how to work through stress,” she said.
That foundation is strengthened by a strong support system. Clemence said her parents are daily examples of work ethic and selflessness, while her friends model kindness and joy. She also credits her youth pastors, Andrew and Michelle, for helping guide her spiritually and personally. “They are two of the kindest people I know, they have a huge knowledge of the Bible, and their love for the Lord is amazing,” Clemence said. “They are an essential part of my success as a person, and they were vital in introducing me to Jesus.”
Her faith is central to how she competes. On meet days, she leans on her teammates for encouragement, prayer and plenty of sideline noise between races. “I enjoy the support from my teammates,” Clemence said. “I love how we can celebrate the victories, work through the hard practices, and pray through the anxiety together.”
Clemence brings that same joy to the quieter moments at a meet. Between events, she is usually found eating, cheering for teammates, praying with fellow athletes, or striking up conversations with competitors from other schools. When she is not racing, her favorite events to watch are pole vault and high jump, often with a bit of sun tanning mixed in.
Away from the track, Clemence stays active and outdoors. She enjoys reading the Bible, hiking, camping, trail running, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, jump roping and “going on side quests” with friends while taking in God’s creation. Classroom-wise, she gravitates toward history, English and art, and lists her Northwestern Oklahoma State University composition professor, Mrs. Hurst, as her favorite teacher.
After graduation, Clemence plans to attend College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri, where she will compete in track and cross-country and pursue a future in disaster relief and humanitarian work. No matter where running takes her next, she carries a clear guiding principle. “Don’t run for others’ approval. Don’t run to glorify yourself,” she said. “Run to glorify God who gave you the ability.”
