Sophie Galloway knows there is nothing not to like about Abby Steiner

SAB Hosts Ping Pong Ball Drop. Photo by Grace Bradley | UK Athletics

Former four-time Kentucky Gatorade Track Athlete of the Year Sophie Galloway is thrilled to be competing in her first NCAA Championship this week in Eugene, Ore.

She qualified in the triple jump at the Bloomington regional with a leap of 42 feet, 9 1/2 inches — a UK freshman record, fourth best all-time at UK and her personal best in just her seventh meet at UK.

But as talented as Galloway is, she has marveled at the talent of UK senior sprinter Abby Steiner this season. Steiner is a two-time 200-meter indoor national champion, has been part of record-setting relay teams and has the school record in the 100-meter dash.

“It is so great being around Abby,” Galloway, track and basketball standout at Marshall County High School, said. “I love to pick her brain. You are sitting in the presence of a celebrity but she does not make you feel that way. She just walks around like she is happy to be here.”

“I really don’t think she knows how good she is. She is such a hard worker, too. She does everything she is asked. She is just so good. She really was born special.”

There is one other thing that Galloway really likes about Steiner.

“She is quiet. Some athletes like to talk on social media and be seen. She does like to be seen and that will take her a long way,” Galloway said. “Pro coaches and sponsors looking to sign somebody to a contract want a kid who will represent the brand well. She has a clean slate, keeps her mouth shut and is very humble. And she’s incredibly fast. What’s not to like?”