Hayden Mays is closing out his Nixa career as one of the top throwers in the state, and his next step is already set. The Auburn commit has separated himself in both discus and shot put this spring, building on a multi-sport background that includes back-to-back state title runs in football. His decision to choose track over Division II football offers reflects a long-term focus, centered on development, coaching, and a clear academic path in civil engineering.

Listen to the full conversation with Hayden Mays here:

That decision didn’t happen in isolation. Mays points to Auburn’s coaching staff and overall support system as key factors, along with the opportunity to compete at a high level in the SEC. It highlights a shift that more athletes are making, prioritizing fit, development, and future goals over simply staying in one sport. His current numbers back it up, with the state’s top discus mark and a push toward 65 feet in shot put and 210 in discus as championship targets.

There’s also a deeper layer to his story through his relationship with Jackson Cantwell, a longtime friend, competitor, and training partner. Their connection helped shape his path into track and continues to influence how he approaches competition. It reflects how internal competition and trust can elevate performance in ways that don’t always show up on paper.

As Mays prepares for the postseason, the focus remains on execution, technique, timing, and mental preparation separating practice from performance. It’s a transition point, not just from high school to college, but from standout athlete to someone aiming to compete at an elite level.