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Mt. Hermon School’s Ansley Knight

Mt. Hermon School’s Ansley Knight competes on the Lady Jackets’ track/field team.

Knight, a senior, throws the shot put, discus and javelin.

Knight made it to regionals in shot put this year.

Regionals, which is one meet away from reaching state, is the furthest she reached. She made it to regionals this year and her sophomore year. The majority of last season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ansley has always been a very valuable member of our track team! She is always dependable and encouraging,” Mt. Hermon track/field coach Ashley Guy said. “She uplifted the spirits of her teammates! We will miss that and her tremendously!”

What do you enjoy most about playing your sport?

The practices were always fun because it was something where you didn’t have to worry about strict rules. You could have conversations with your friends, while you prepared for your meets. I enjoyed the meets. The throwing events were usually first, so once I was done, I would stay around and cheer on my running friends and hope they did better than I did.

What do you like best about being a student athlete?

You got to be around your friends in an environment that wasn’t as strict as a classroom. Like with the bus trips, you got to be yourself and not worry about a teacher telling you to be quiet. The meets were just like parties, except you didn’t have to plan it and you didn’t have to pay for much.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? Why?

(Former Mt. Hermon School athlete) Kalei Hughes was a track/field thrower in all three events as well. She went to state early in my career. I would get to hang out with her at practice. I wanted to be like her and go to state. She would always place in district. She would be first in at least one of her three events and she was always respectful to the adults and a big ole kid around the rest of us, so I found her as an excellent role model who I could look up to and be like.

Who is your favorite athlete? Why?

Michael Jordan 100 percent. I mean just to watch him was insane. His talent was through the roof. His determination just blew my mind. In high school, he didn’t make the varsity team in his 10th grade year just because somebody was taller than him. That summer, he grew six inches and secured his spot in the starting lineup the next year. From there, he went to get a championship on his college team and then carried that into his NBA career with six championships. I just think he’s somebody everybody can look up to.

Favorite team?

New Orleans Pelicans.

Best thing about living in Washington Parish?

I like how it’s so private. You’re not in the middle of a subdivision. You have your own private sector. You can play basketball with your brothers, and if you miss a shot, you don’t have to worry about your neighbors saying, ‘hey, nice shot.’