BHS Graduate Kaitlyn Noyes Chosen Track & Field Athlete of the Year
Author: mt43news staff reporter
Article Published: 06/26/2026 Volume: 4 Edition: 51MT43 News Staff Reporter
Kaitlyn Noyes was chosen Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year by the Independent Record. She was really surprised, since she was in Europe when the award was announced. “I had no idea. Somebody texted me,” she exclaimed.
Noyes excels not only in athletics – volleyball, track and field, and basketball- but also academically. She graduated from BHS this year as a co-valedictorian-salutatorian of her class.
Her track record in long jump was solidified at the Class B tournament in Missoula, May 29th, when she jumped 18 feet-9.75, her second state title. She broke records in high jump and triple jump, as well as placing fifth with her teammates in the 400- meter race.
Noyes said of all the sports she plays, she loves volleyball most: “There’s something about playing with your teammates and the mechanics of the game I really like.” She played sports both in elementary and middle school, so practice counts for her success. In an interview, she gives credit to genetics that give her the talent and ability to excel in sports, but the biggest part of her success boils down to hard work. She put it this way:
“One of my accomplishments I am most proud of, and one that reflects these values, arose during my sophomore year at the Class B State Track Meet.
That entire season, I never knew how close I was to breaking the Class B State Long Jump record of 18 feet, 0.25 inches, set in 1988. I didn’t even know what it (the record) was, because how could a sophomore ever break a record?
However, at the state meet, fueled by adrenaline and determination, I jumped over 18 feet multiple times. Even so, those marks were ruled wind-aided and therefore unofficial- again and again. This was extremely frustrating, and I almost settled for winning first place. Almost. When someone told me, ‘It’s okay, try again next year," something shifted in me. I realized I could not assume another opportunity would come. Rather than settling or becoming discouraged, I chose to focus.
Before my final attempt, I paused on the runway and waited for the wind to settle, even just a little. I ran, jumped and landed just barely beyond the 18-foot mark. After careful review and measurement, officials announced that I had broken the record by a quarter of an inch, and this time under legal wind conditions.”
Noyes ended by crediting her success to her mom and dad, and to her coaches: “I wouldn’t be where I am without their support.”
