How one senior climbed her way from low to pro

To keep the muscles vital for climbing in shape, Makenna makes use of her surroundings by climbing trees or biking on local paths. “Usually every other day I do arm or endurance workouts to build my strength,” Sisemore said.

Since she was 10 years old, senior Makenna Sisemore has been rock climbing and it all began with an intriguing read in grade school.

“In 4th grade, I read a book called Peak that was about mountaineering and it really opened my eyes to all of the possibilities of climbing,” Sisemore said.

As a beginner, Sisemore was nervous to participate in competitions due to the experienced climbers she was up against.

“I always did good, but I wasn’t confident enough in my abilities at the time to really do my best.”

More than seven years later, she looks forward to competitions where she gets the chance to “try out new routes and climbing gyms while meeting the local people.”

Sisemore had been part of a climbing team that would often bond while climbing on the wall, but the group has since disbanded. Between competitions, though, Sisemore still wanted to gain experience and better herself, so she began climbing with her younger brother who was also interested in the sport.

“I love that [rock climbing] is something unique and that most people don’t know a lot about it,” Sisemore said. “I love it because it challenges me mentally and physically, and I get to push my limits every time I get on the rock.”

Sisemore has planned a climbing trip to Red River Gorge and said, “I’m so excited to see the adventures climbing will take me on, to new heights and beyond.”