Kayla Spencer Class: Freshman Hometown: Elmhurst, Ill. High School: York

Head Coach Mike Nelson on Spencer:
"Kayla comes from an outstanding high school program. York High School consistently produces some of the best high school runners in not only Illinois, but in the Midwest. With her experience and training background, she is poised to have a great career at Marquette. Kayla placed 20th at the competitive Illinois state high school cross country championships and she also led her 4x800 team to a podium finish at the state track and field championships."

High School: Spencer earned four letters in cross country and three in track and field during her time at York High School ... Served as captain of both squads during her senior year ... All-state performer on the track in the 3,200-meter run as a sophomore (second place in 9:10) and junior ... Also all-state in cross country as a senior with a three mile PR of 17:26 ... Holds personal bests of 2:18 in the 800 and 5:10 in the 1,600 ... member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Spencer was born in Downers Grove, Ill., and is the older of two children to Pan and Andy Spencer ... Has a younger brother, Nolan ... Undecided on a major.