Tucson High School senior Oluchukwu Okonkwo is hoping to win the state title in the 300 hurdles. She finished fifth at state last year.

benjie sanders / arizona daily star

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Tucson High School hurdler-sprinter Oluchukwu Okonkwo hates the sidelines. But that is where the team captain has been since the unexpected start of her senior season — a pulled tendon in her groin.

"Last week at Wednesday's meet, I pushed it to its limit," Okonkwo said. "And since then, I haven't been practicing too much. I haven't been doing too many drills, because it bothers my groin when I lift my leg up."

She hopes to race at the ultra- competitive Willie Williams Invitational on March 21-22. "It's not my favorite event, but it's a big invite with a lot of competition, so I hope to be back for that," Okonkwo said.

Okonkwo — a former member of the basketball, cross country and swim teams — is no stranger to competition. Last year, she placed fifth at state in the 300-meter hurdles before taking 23rd in the 400 hurdles at the National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships.

She hopes to win the state championship in 300-meter hurdles this year. "I also want to contend in the 100 hurdles and the open 200," said Okonkwo, who is taking three Advanced Placement courses.

Okonkwo recently sat down with the Star to discuss her senior season and future plans.

Q: How does it feel to be a team captain?

A: "It feels natural for me. I just hope my teammates do follow me, especially in being mentally tough and not being intimidated by other people. You just have to worry about yourself out there. … I also hope they follow me off the track. It's not all about sports all the time. You need to take care of academics. You need to worry about the books, too."

Q: Have you decided on a college?

A: "I haven't really given colleges too much consideration yet. Arizona and Morgan State University in Baltimore have shown interest but they are not my top picks. My top picks are Florida A&M and Hampton in Hampton, Virginia. I like their track programs but it's more of their pharmacy programs that I'm into. And they're out of state, so I really like that."

A: "I've been interested since eighth grade. … It's funny, because I wanted to be a mathematician for a really long time. I think I was taking honors geometry when I stopped liking math as much and started to really like science. In science, there is so much you can learn. It doesn't get old and boring to me."

A: "I'm really lucky to have the kind of mother that I have. She really supports me in everything that I want to do. And she does everything all by herself. … She's my idol."