The steady din of an excited crowd slows to a hum as eight runners line up to begin their 100-meter race at the CCS Championships in Gilroy, California. Each athlete tensely moves into their starting stances, as if the pressure of the race physically affects them — except for one. Clad in Harker green, Kaleb Goldin (’25) calmly situates himself in his lane. Boom. The starting gun sounds, and Kaleb rushes to the front of the pack, handily defeating his competition. 

In the world of Northern California high school track, Kaleb became a household name, dominating races with blazing speed. Breaking out in his junior season after spending his sophomore year injured, he quickly became one of the most formidable sprinters in the region. Despite co-owning a school record for the 4×100 relay before his senior campaign, he maintains a level-headed, yet motivated composure, one that allows him to elevate his game.

“It’s never been in my nature to think of myself as better than anyone,” Kaleb said. “There are always people better than you. You always have to work up the rungs of the ladder. As soon as you get to a point of complacency, you’re in a new league. It’s a whole different perspective.”

Kaleb maintains a quietly confident interior, one that impresses many of his peers. As co-captain of the track team, and paired with his down-to-earth approach to success, he inspires his track teammates to reach higher. Close friend and former track teammate Michael Chang (’24) notes how Kaleb led by example on and off the track as team captain in his junior year.

“Kaleb is a natural leader,” Michael said. “Not necessarily just by the words that he says, but in the actions that he does. He gives 100% or 110% in every drill or every exercise that we do. People can’t help but follow his lead.”

Kaleb’s ease of composure aids him off the track, especially in establishing connections with his friends. Close friend Shiv Deokar (’25) reflects on Kaleb’s thoughtful nature, as friends and teammates rely on him as an ever-present source of support and advice.

“Kaleb is someone who is very resilient,” Shiv said. “When he’s going through something and he’s and he’s stressed about something, he’s still gonna stay consistent with whatever it is — track, school, being a good friend. He’s definitely someone who I’ll always go to for advice.”

In all regards, Kaleb’s growth did not come easily. After an injury-riddled first two years, he put a renewed emphasis on track. Taking an atypical approach to school relative to many of his peers, he maintained focus on balancing his sport and school. Kaleb expanded his interest in sports to work in physical therapy offices, where he deepened his understanding of athletics, aiding him in using various training tools to speed along recovery.

“I like to know what I’m feeling, where I’m feeling it and why it’s happening to a degree,” Kaleb said. “It’s the same thing when treating others — I can help other people know their injuries. It’s an extension of track for me, learning about the body and about how mechanically everything works.”

Unwavering focus often comes with a coldness of spirit for top performers, one that cuts off the world around them in favor of maximum efficiency. To Kaleb’s friends, though, he comes from a place of care, putting others above himself and his goals. His up-and-down experience with track expands to his approach towards life as a whole, maintaining the equilibrium of all around him. Close friend Haden Andrews (’25) appreciates Kaleb’s considerate efforts in assisting his community. 

“Kaleb’s willing to take the time to make sure others are comfortable in their own skin,” Haden said. “He makes sure that I’m the best I can be, and he always keeps me in check. If I’m acting upset about something, he’ll make sure that I address it head-on instead of continuing to stress over it.”

As a prospective college athlete, Kaleb’s story remains one of an upward trajectory. From his first day on a track to his shaky first two years as a high school athlete and the immense success of his most recent season, he maintained the same mindset. His confidence never evolves into arrogance — success is an inevitability, but one contingent on everyday growth. To Kaleb, every moment hinges on a self-belief that does not impose itself on others, but can be applied universally.

“You can’t quit whatever you’re doing,” Kaleb said. “A lot of people have the idea, if it doesn’t work out for a little bit, and you have doubts about it, then you’re better off doing something else. But you can shoot your shot. You can do a million different things and make mistakes. If you put all your mind to something, you will do it.”