SIOUX FALLS — For Anna Vyn, life changed dramatically between her eighth-grade and freshman year of school. 

Most of her childhood was spent living in the great state of Texas. Then in the summer of 2021, Anna, along with her five siblings and parents, made the move to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Although this move would challenge Anna, competitive running would soon become just what she needed.

As the new school year quickly approached, nerves began to kick in for Anna as she transitioned from middle school to high school. She would face countless changes throughout the next several months that would help shape her into the humble, yet successful runner she is today.

Adapting to a new school and making new friends was a challenge for Anna right from the get-go. She would come home from school wanting to move back to Texas and continue living the life she had been used to. Anna persevered and trusted the Lord’s plan as she looked forward to the cross-country season. It would give her a chance to meet people and pursue running in a more competitive environment than what she had previously experienced.

As many of us learn in life, things don’t always go as planned. Early on in the season, Anna faced a knee injury. Before moving to Sioux Falls, she had knee surgery. Anna was forced not to train for several months as she worked on healing her knee. Countless hours were spent with her trainer rather than competing and being with her teammates. Her emotional, physical, and spiritual states were being challenged.

“Moving to Sioux Falls, I had to start at a new school and make all new friends,” Vyn remembered. “The hardest part though was sitting on the sidelines for cross-country. I felt that a major part of my identity was taken away. Not competing for the first half of the season was one of the hardest things I experienced after moving.”

Sioux Falls Christian's Anna Vyn runs at a cross-country meet for the Chargers. (Courtesy photo)

This setback led to the cross-country season being cut short as Anna could only compete for a month before the state meet.

“Despite being sidelined with an injury throughout most of the fall cross-country season when moving here, she found ways to be a blessing to our team by encouraging others,” Sioux Falls Christian coach Luke VanderLeest said. “And once she was cleared to run, she made an immediate impact and has helped lead our track and cross-country teams to two state championships over the past year.”

Anna remained with a positive attitude as she looked forward to track season.

“I have seen Anna grow in determination and discipline,” said Anna’s mother, Sarah Vyn. “She is always determined to set her goals higher and disciplined to train hard whether someone is looking or not. I’m mostly proud of Anna for her character, putting humility and joy on display while competing and giving it her all.”

The patience, hard work, and humble attitude Anna had while facing the challenges of moving and injury finally seemed to be paying off. Her first track season at Sioux Falls Christian resulted in individual and team successes as noted by her coach earlier.

“As my knee was healing and track season was off to a good start, other things started falling into place,” Anna said. “I was becoming better friends with my teammates and Sioux Falls really started to feel like home.”

However, it has never been about success for Anna, but the ability to compete competitively while remaining healthy. Running is something she truly loves to do. Anna will never boast or brag about how well she has done but rather give all the glory to God. She continues to look forward to competing for the rest of her high school career and hopes to take it to the next level one day.

“Anna Vyn embraced the move to a new state, with new classmates, new teachers, new coaches, new teammates, and a new climate with persevering joy,” VanderLeest said.