By Leslie Talley

As an athlete in both basketball and track/cross country, Kim Peek admits to thriving on the competition involved in both sports. Growing up with brothers played a significant role in Peek's life. Her love of basketball was fueled over ten years ago when she scrimmaged against them. After this step, she joined a competitive team and has continued to succeed.

As for track/cross country, Kim reveals she started running as a result of her desire to beat her brothers at another sport.

As a five-time state champion in track, Peek reflects the result of hard work and determination. Discipline is a key in both athletics and academics. One of the ways she best stays organized with all her commitments is by maintaining a schedule of all her classes and obligations. Peek has the added element of actively participating in not one, but two Judson athletic teams, enhancing her need to maintain a good balance.

Adjusting to college-life was hard at first for Peek who claims, "Making your own decisions and living with the consequences is hard, but that's how life goes. I am well adjusted now though."

Acclimating herself to unfamiliar situations is nothing new for Peek, who tells, "I went to seven different schools since kindergarten in three different states. Adjusting to new places and people has gotten pretty easy, so being so far away isn't as hard as it would usually be." Although Judson is far from home, she explains, "I wanted to come to a small Christian university and play basketball. I wanted a university that had a strong education program and was going to challenge me academically."

In addition to adjusting to a change of scenery, Kim has also had to readjust to the reality of injury. After pulling her hamstring twice, she's been prevented from running. Recovery is tough, but with Peek's determination in other aspects of life, injury won't hold her back.

In this time, God has shown her important truths. Throughout life thus far, Peek has realized the steadfastness of God and his holiness. "God has showed me how to trust Him no matter what I am going through. He reminds me He has a reason for everything and He will help me through any situation that comes my way," Kim shares. "He is such a faithful and forgiving God and He is reminding me of it every day," and continues further to reveal, "I thank God for using stupid decisions in my life to bring glory to His name."

In her life, Peek also tells that her parents have been extremely influential in shaping the person she is today. "My parents have always been there for me. They strive every day to be the kind of people God has called them to be."

At Judson, Peek reminisces that her favorite memory up to this point was Homecoming night when the Wilson guys dressed up and brought them flowers. As a thank you, "we dressed up and took them brownies." This kind of community is what Kim loves. Usually spending time with friends and taking walks are Peek's preferred choice of using "free time."

It is obvious Kim loves the sports she has chosen to invest time and energy in for many reasons: "I love the team aspect of basketball and how nothing else matters on the court. Everyone just wants to play the game." Peek finishes, "And I love the competition of running."