When Parkins first came to Notre Dame High School as a freshman transfer from Monmouth United, West Burlington-Notre Dame girls track coach Mike Gurius saw right away Parkins was speed to burn.

After speaking with West Burlington athletics director Jeff Housel, they decided to add junior varsity races just for Parkins, who was sitting out her 90 days after transferring.

Parkins has not disappointed.

Last year, Parkins qualified for the state track and field meet in four events. She finished 17th overall in the 100-meter dash in 13.32 seconds, helped the Falcons’ 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams each place ninth and ran the second leg on the WB-ND sprint medley relay team which finished 5th in 1:53.38.

Parkins also was a member of the Notre Dame volleyball team which won back-to-back state championships, playing defensive specialist and libero.

Parkins already is off to a blazing start to her senior track season. Last week, she broke the program record in the 60-meter dash, finishing ninth in 8.27 seconds at the Central College indoor meet in Pella.

The Hawk Eye recently caught up to Parkins, the High School Athlete of the Week, to learn a little more about her.

What is your favorite sport besides track and field?

Volleyball

What is it that you like about track and field?

I love that track provides both team and individual competition. I also enjoy the social aspect that track provides that is different from other sports. At meets and practices, I get to meet newpeople and make memories with teammates.

What is your best memory in track and field?

My best memory in track was last year at state playing “For the Girls” with both the boys and girls in the lobby at the hotel.

How do you and your teammates make practice fun?

At practice, the managers play music as we do our workouts. Sometimes we even get the coaches to try trendy dance moves.

Do you have any pre-game or game-day routines and what are they?

I like to drink Celsius and listen to music before each meet.

Who is the funniest person on the team and why?

Mr. (Corey) Lamm and Coach Gur make the best duo and create the most fun environment at track. They always start off each practice with a dad joke.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role model is my great grandma, Melba Twomey. She demonstrates everything I want to be in life and I am so grateful to have her support in all that I do.

What is your favorite subject in school and why?

My favorite subject is anatomy with Mr. Lamm because we can get him to talk about track and workouts all class period.

What is your favorite meal?

Steak bites, twice baked potatoes, stuffed peppers, and of course, ice cream.

What is your favorite TV show?

Pretty Little Liars.

If you won the lottery, what would your first purchase be and why?

If I won the lottery, I would purchase a trip to Greece as it is at the top of my bucket list.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time and why?

I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, going to coffee shops, thrifting, working out, and spending most of my free time in the summer boating and jet skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks.

What is your favorite motivational slogan or quote?

“Nothing worth having comes easy.”

What are your future plans for college and career?

After graduation, I plan to attend Central College to study physics or engineering while also continuing my track and field career. After graduating, I plan to further my education and obtain my masters degree in architecture.

What is something about yourself that would surprise people?

I come from a big family and am the third oldest of eight kids.