For Bristow senior Ayana Bruner, athletic success isn’t confined to one field, course or event. Whether she’s attacking as a forward for the Purple Pirates soccer team, pacing herself through a cross country race or sprinting on the track, Bruner brings energy, determination and a desire to set an example for the athletes coming behind her.
Bruner’s versatility is on full display throughout the school year. In the fall, she competes in cross country while also contributing on the soccer field. When track season arrives, she takes on the 800-meter run and runs legs on Bristow’s 4×200-meter and 4×400-meter relay teams.
Her endurance and commitment have led to some memorable postseason accomplishments. Bruner has qualified for the cross country state meet three consecutive years and has reached state in track during each of the past two seasons. Those trips represent more than a finish line or a placement. They reflect years of summer workouts, difficult practices and a willingness to keep working when training gets demanding.
“I know it’s hard, but if I didn’t know you could do it, I wouldn’t ask you,” Bruner said, recalling advice from cross country and track coach Bobby Lyons.
Lyons recognized Bruner’s long-distance potential when she was in seventh grade, and his confidence has helped shape her into one of Bristow’s top runners. Bruner credits her coach for pushing her each summer and every season, even on the days when the work feels especially challenging.
Beyond competition, Bruner believes sports have taught her to be kind and to show respect regardless of the result. Good sportsmanship, she said, matters on the soccer field, the cross country course and the track.
That perspective was also modeled for her by former teammate Makynzi Spencer-Friday. Bruner said Spencer-Friday was an important upperclassman influence when she entered high school, competing alongside her in both soccer and track. Her teammate’s approach reminded Bruner to enjoy the experience, compete with class and maintain confidence during difficult moments.
“You can do hard things,” Bruner said. “Everyone would be doing what I’m doing if it were easy.”
Now a senior, Bruner embraces the responsibility that comes with representing Bristow. She wants younger athletes to see what is possible through consistency and belief, then chase goals that are even bigger than her own.
Bruner also draws inspiration from professional soccer standout Trinity Rodman, admiring the energy and confidence she brings to the women’s game. As her final high school seasons continue, Bruner plans to carry that same fearless attitude while honoring the people who have supported her: her faith, her mother, family, friends, coaches and everyone who has believed in her.
