When 16-year-old Dynasty Williams runs, it's her time to let go of all the pressures of the day.

"Running is like my escape, basically, it's when all the worries and pressures of the day are lifted away right into the wind," said Williams, a Baker High junior who carries a GPS device to guide her when she runs.

Williams is a petite powerhouse of an athlete who runs cross country and track at BHS, where she recently took home the Class 3A Cross Country title for finishing first in state.

The November championships were held at Northwestern University, where Williams and Head Track/Cross Country Coach Countess Comadore were the only two in attendance.

"It's odd because when it comes time to announce the results, it's just my name called out," Williams says of her solo status as the only runner on the cross country team.

Comadore hopes to recruit more athletes now that Williams has achieved statewide success. "I'd rather have one person who is completely dedicated. Besides, it's an individual sport where only one can prevail."

The daughter of Frank and Valerie Williams, it was a grandmother who first noticed she had talent. "She made me race the girls in a field across from her house, and I'd win. Then she'd make me race the boys, and I'd beat them, too," Williams said.

Coach Comadore says Williams is very unique. "She's what every coach wants in an athlete, she never complains and does what you ask of her," said Comadore. "When you have an athlete who is coachable, the sky's the limit. Dynasty is focused and her ability to do that contributes to her success."

Comadore says Williams hasn't begun to maximize her potential in track yet and plans to have her compete in the mile, 1600, 3200 and eventually, the 800. "We're looking to find her best event," Comadore says.

For now, Williams is in training and is keeping her eye on the finish line.