2025 Students of Distinction
Joey Campbell: A relentless runner with a vision beyond the finish line
Gig Harbor Now is posting profiles featuring the Students of Distinction being honored by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. Peers, teachers or parents nominate students, who must be a graduating senior at a Peninsula School District school. A panel of community leaders selects students to be honored in one of seven categories: academics; athletics; career and technical excellence; community service; music, arts and drama; overcoming adversity; and science and technology.
These students will be celebrated during a banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Ocean5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr.
School: Gig Harbor High School
Category: Athletics
Joey Campbell doesn’t just chase finish lines — he builds momentum, both for himself and for the teammates who follow in his stride. A standout distance runner for Gig Harbor High School, Joey has earned his place on the podium through a quiet persistence and deep-rooted drive that stretch far beyond the stopwatch.
A three-time state qualifier in both cross country and track, Joey’s journey is measured in more than medals. His proudest moment came at the 2024 West Central District track meet, where the Gig Harbor boys’ team was trailing by a handful of points with just two events left. He stepped to the line for the 3,200-meter race, clocked a personal best by a full 12 seconds, and helped propel his team to a razor-thin victory. “We won by just six points,” Joey recalls. “It was a moment that showed what happens when we come together.”
Joey Campbell
Athletics has never been just about individual achievement for Joey. His growth as a competitor is inseparable from his growth as a leader — an evolution inspired by his older brother, Tyler, who first introduced him to the sport and the Gig Harbor distance community. Though Tyler has since moved on to collegiate competition, he remains a steady source of support. Joey, in turn, has taken on the role of mentor, guiding younger runners with the same thoughtful encouragement and accountability that shaped his early years on the team.
Off the track, Joey is just as driven. With a 3.96 GPA and 11 college-level courses completed, he balances athletic ambition with academic rigor. His favorite class? AP Calculus with Mr. Millard, a teacher who challenged him to think differently and deepen his understanding of physics and mechanics. That foundation will carry Joey into his next chapter, where he plans to pursue a degree in mechanical and biomechanical engineering. His goal is clear: to design innovations that reduce injuries and support the performance and longevity of future athletes.
Whether it’s pushing for a win, pacing a teammate through a tough workout, or staying late to encourage someone still finding their stride, Joey shows up — again and again. His story isn’t just about speed or records. It’s about dedication, humility, and a vision that sees beyond the race.