HAYTI – Gracelyn Leiseth is just like every other athlete at this year’s State Track and Field Meet in that she wants to set personal records. However, the Hamlin senior standout is unlike nearly every other athlete because when she sets a personal record, it automatically becomes a new state record.

Leiseth already owns the all-time state marks in both the shot put (52-feet, 6.75-inches) and discus (171-feet, 8-inches). While her goal is always to improve upon her distances, she is not consumed by it.

“I just try not to put pressure on myself,” Leiseth said, “because it doesn’t help me.”

Instead, she is the one who ends up putting pressure on her competitors to perform their absolute best to even stand a chance.

Leiseth, who is bound for the University of Florida, first got the inkling she possessed enough talent to compete in college a couple of years ago.

“I would say, the end of my sophomore year really started to click with me,” she said, “I can really pursue this.”

From then on, it’s been a steady routine of lifting, stretching, workouts, watching tapes and perfecting her form in order to reach her full potential.

“Gracelyn has a lot of throwing knowledge and she is very meticulous in everything she does,” said Hamlin coach Dan Poppen. “I would love to say that I told her everything she knows but that is not the case at all. Coach (Ashley) Heinrich and all the talented athletes through the years have been a huge part of Gracelyn’s success, along with all the time she puts into practice everyday.”

Leiseth comes from a family of athletes. While that certainly fostered her love of sports, that did not force her into something she did not want to do.

“It was definitely an impact. I always grew up doing sports,” Leiseth said. “But my parents wouldn’t ever force you to do something. It was a decision that you had to make. I truly enjoy sports. I like being competitive. It’s just fun and you meet new people.”

As the legend of Leiseth has grown, there are more and more new people to meet. Unlike many meets during the regular season when field events take place away from the main grandstand with few onlookers in attendance, whenever Leiseth throws, there are usually plenty of spectators on hand.

“Gracelyn is an athlete that comes around once in a lifetime and I have really enjoyed watching her grow through the years,” Poppen said. “It is so fun to watch all the people come and watch her throw. She brings a crowd at each meet she attends.”

Leiseth said having the added attention can be both good and bad. While it fuels her adrenaline, it also puts her directly in the spotlight.

“Honestly, sometimes it makes me nervous,” Leiseth said, “but you just have to learn how to control your nerves.”

While Leiseth has become the gold standard for girls’ throwers regardless of the class, there have been a few growing pains along the way. She recalled a moment in the discus at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays two years ago.

“I didn’t even make finals my sophomore year. That was tough for me,” she said. “I slowly got over my hump. Last year I got into finals, and then this year I went into it really mentally stronger.”

Along the way, college coaches began to take notice and multiple schools reached out to the stellar thrower. She eventually decided on Florida.

“I think it’s going to be a good experience,” Leiseth said. “Obviously, any senior going into college is going to be nervous. It’s just a new step in your journey I guess, but I’m excited.”

However, she has something much more pressing on her mind this week.

“I’m just trying to embrace the moment right now, just because it’s my last state track meet,” she said.

While Leiseth is going to try to enjoy the experience, she knows there is a finality to it.

“It’s kind of crazy. It’s surreal,” she said. “When I’m done with track, I’m done being a Hamlin Charger.”

She said she will miss all the support from the community along with her throwing group on the team. And while Leiseth won’t be present for future high school meets, her records will likely be talked about for years to come.

So what will happen someday when the next top thrower comes along and breaks her state records?

“You know, I will be super happy for the person that breaks them. I think it’s awesome. Records are made to be broken,” Leiseth said. “It might be there for a while, but whoever breaks that record, good for them. That’s awesome for them. I wouldn’t have an offense to it.”

Before that ever happens, there is a much greater likelihood that Leiseth will continue to improve and perhaps reach even greater accomplishments than what she has already done.

“I see Gracelyn having an outstanding college career,” Poppen said, “and have told her this the last few years, that she has a really good shot at throwing in the Olympics someday.”

Leiseth said she never could have imagined how her prep career has played out so far.

“I’m just extremely blessed,” she said.