Behind the Cards 1

Track Stars App created a set of free digital track and field cards. These cards are not for profit and were made specifically to promote the sport of women's track and field and the athletes that were selected. These are not NILs. Forty-nine cards are included featuring 48 different athletes, most of whom are currently competing in college.

This is the start of our series which tells the story of each card, while providing information about the talented women who will shine during the Track & Field 2k22 season which we have dubbed "Rise of the Woman." We live in a time where many talk about women's sports needing more exposure and attention. Track Stars App has decided to take action.

Cards # 1, 14, 3, 9, 22, 11

#1 Taylor Beard

Taylor Beard is a competitor that we first saw compete during the 2020 season which was her freshman year at Cincinnati. Some of you may roll your eyes at this but when we saw her at an indoor meet in Kentucky, she finished ninth in the high jump, 18th in the long jump and 31st in the 60-meter hurdles, yet we had this feeling that we were watching a special athlete. We can't totally explain the feeling but the feeling is rarely wrong and in 2021 she proved our hunch correct by becoming an All-American high jumper and being able to compete in the Olympic trials.

She was selected to be on the first card because we were representing for her before it was cool to do so. It's like when you discover a new rock band or rap artist before they become a multi-platinum selling, Grammy Award winner. Another reason is because she embodies qualities that we should all apply to our lives. No matter who others may think is the best, you have the ability to become the best or even better than the best. The photo from her card was selected from shots that we took when we covered her competing in the heptathlon at the Tennessee Relays during the 2021 outdoor season.

#14 Jorden Savoury

Before NILs were a thing, we decided to sponsor our first athletes during the 2021 outdoor season and Jorden Savoury was the initial competitor that we were able to back financially as she returned to the track after the global pandemic limited her and many other's participation in the sport. The Canadian sprinter and jumper competed in her home country of Canada as well as Belgium throughout the summer of 2021. Savoury had the most productive summer of her career as she established personal records in the 100 meters, 200 meters and long jump, while competing against some Olympic level competition. Her photos came from her personal collection as she models in sportswear during her spare time.

#3 Alexis Holmes

When we saw Alexis Holmes competing as a freshman for Penn State in 2019, we quickly learned that one of the best 400 meters runners alive was officially on the scene. We saw her at the Simmons-Harvey Big Ten Invitational hosted by Michigan where she ran her first collegiate 400 meters race which was a win. That season she won her first four 400 meters races including the Big Ten indoor championship. Her first defeat came at the NCAA indoor final where she placed fourth. Since then she has won the Big Ten outdoor title (2019) and the SEC indoor 400 meters championship after transferring to Kentucky in 2020.

We really believe that this is the next 400 meters champ in the NCAA. Last season we had the same belief in Cambrea Sturgis of North Carolina A&T before she won the 100 and 200 meters NCAA gold medals. Holmes is our next big prediction that we will stand behind. We went with a fun photo from Holmes' Instagram collection for her card. She always displays a bright personality that puts us all at ease with her positivity in an often tense world.

#9 Darci Khan

So many of the athletes in the world of track and field are very disciplined performers which is very important for success in competition, but when it comes to becoming a star that people care about outside of the sport, they lack the personality that leads to big time money. Darci Khan has superstar level charisma. She isn't afraid to take a risk in an effort to make us laugh or say, "Wow that girl can dance." In the past she has been compared to the likes of Martin Lawrence and Lucille Ball in Winners Only write-ups when it comes to physical comedy. This year she hopes to keep us laughing on social media while making us say wow on the track.

#22 Quiara Wheeler

When we think about the weight throw, we think about straining and struggle. Quiara Wheeler somehow makes the weight throw look easy. She smiles as she approaches the throwing area, gets serious for a moment, throws and then smiles afterwards as she usually leads the competition. This All-American became the best thrower in the history of Central Michigan, setting records in the hammer and weight throws. She also qualified for and competed in the Olympic Trials. Her photo came from her Instagram collection and best personifies how we described her at the start of this paragraph. She makes it look so easy and displays power with a smile.

#11 MaQuila Norman

MaQuila Norman is a bright and talented runner who has shined as a champ in the Mid American Conference. We've seen her at meets at Kentucky and Cincinnati over the years and sometimes there are bigger names and more physically impressive runners on the track but when it is all said and done, Norman seems to always hold her own. In 2k22, she is definitely a good choice to sweep the 200 meters and 400 meters in her conference. The sprinter has a friendly smile but we know behind it is a tough competitor. Her photos came from her Instagram collection. We had to include her in our card collection because she's a star rather you guys are aware or not. In 2k22 you'll see.

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