Tiyna Ridge arrived at Friends University with a simple goal: get better every day. This season, she's done exactly that, breaking her own school and KCAC all-time record in the 60-meter dash multiple times and hitting three NAIA A standards along the way. Her steady growth has turned into a statement — Ridge is one of the most electric sprinters in the conference, and her confidence is building with every meet.

It didn't happen overnight. For Ridge, the real breakthrough came when she stopped worrying about competitors and locked in on her own lane. "I come to practice every day with the mindset that today's another day to get better, to improve," she said. "I really focus on my form and technique, and if I get my technique down, the speed will come later."

That focus has paid off in a big way. Each time she steps on the track, Ridge looks sharper, more composed, and more explosive out of the blocks. The consistency has become her edge — a product of discipline in practice, attention to detail in the weight room, and a belief that she belongs among the nation's best.

Finding Family at Friends

Choosing Friends University wasn't just about athletics; it was about finding a place that felt like home. From the start, Ridge felt embraced by the program's culture and the people around her.

"The community was really nice and the team really opened their heart to me," she said. "We did a lot of bonding, got to know each other and everyone's events. Sometimes we got to have fun and goof around, and that really made Friends a good spot for me."

That sense of belonging has been fuel during the toughest moments. Early in her college career, Ridge battled injuries and mental-health struggles that tested her resolve. Over the summer, she made a decision to prove to herself how much better she could be. She built new training habits, stayed consistent in the classroom, and leaned on her teammates when she needed them most.

Now, the same people who welcomed her are the ones she's running for. "The team here helps impact me because I just feel like I belong," she said. "They always support me, whether I'm going through an injury or mental health, so I really appreciate all of them for keeping me here and happy and moving every day."

Locked In on Race Day

Ridge's pre-meet routine is all about finding the right headspace. She stretches deeply, runs through block starts and band-resistant drills with her coach, and uses music to stay loose and motivated. It's part ritual, part reset — the calm before the sprint.

"Before my meets, I make sure I'm in the right mindset," she said. "I'm ready to go out there and do what I need to do, whether I win or lose. I listen to a lot of music, get a really good stretch in, and just overall have fun."

The preparation shows when the gun goes off. Ridge explodes out of the blocks with intention, powering through each phase of the race she's visualized a hundred times in practice. It's a rhythm she's built through repetition, a trust in her training, and a commitment to staying present in her own lane. "I always try to focus on my race and not worry about everyone else," she said. "That's my confidence through Nationals."

Balancing Books and Blocks 

A big part of Ridge's success comes from the discipline she carries in the classroom. She's adamant about staying ahead on assignments and communicating with professors to ensure nothing slips through the cracks during meet weeks.

"I try to make sure my grades are great because at the end of the day, I'm a student first and an athlete later," she said. "Make sure you get your academics done early so you don't have to worry about track meets later. Communicate with teachers, communicate with coaches — just communicate."

Resources like the Academic Resource Center (ARC) have also helped her stay organized and balanced. It's a routine she'd recommend to any recruit considering Friends: find a support system, use the tools available, and give equal attention to academics and athletics.

Running for Something Bigger

Ask Ridge who inspires her, and she points to family — especially her late grandfather, who loved running and encouraged her to chase what she loved. "He really pushed me to do what I wanted to do," she said. "My whole family is a big inspiration because they support me through everything and make sure I stay diligent and motivated."

That motivation has shaped her goals for the rest of the season. Individually, she wants to continue building confidence and composure, knowing that each race is another step toward her potential. "I know what I can do and that I can do it really well," she said. "Everything I do is for God, and if I win a championship or Nationals, I know I was able to do it with all the adversity I had to deal with."

As a team, the vision is clear: chase a championship together. "Hopefully we can do that in the coming weeks," she said. "I'm excited for all of it."

For Ridge, a junior from Edmond, Okla., the story this season isn't just about records or qualifying standards — it's about growth, gratitude, and the people who helped her find another gear. And as long as there's another day to get better, she'll keep showing up, ready to sprint toward whatever comes next.