The ceilings keep rising for Zion Hensley.

Hensley, a freshman at Western Reserve, has a very full plate between school, track and field and her main sport, boxing. Despite that, she keeps raising the bar for herself.

The young fighter is now ranked worldwide — as 71st in the bantam weight class and is the fourth-highest ranked American amongst the class.

On the track and field side, Hensley is also fighting to punch her ticket to the indoor state meet at the same time.

She balances her training days between boxing and track, but with two big meets quickly approaching, track is taking a moment in the spotlight.

“Right now, the main thing is trying to make it to state,” Hensley said. “Obviously, that’s coming up really soon, so that’s what I’m trying to prepare for. My next two track meets are really important if I want to get to state.”

During indoor track season, Hensley competes in the 60-meter dash, 200-meter run, and the long jump.

As for being ranked as one of the best fighters in the world? For Hensley, it’s a good start.

“I think it’s so cool. I didn’t even think that even existed until we found it. One of our friends from nationals (told me about it). I’m actually really happy about it,” Hensley said. “I’m thinking about my next goal for that though, and I want to be top 50 in the world.”

She’ll have a chance to show her stuff in the International Open hosted by USA Boxing in Pueblo, Colo. in April. Fittingly, it’s not far from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, where Hensley one day dreams of training for the Olympics.

Though she’s never been to Colorado, Hensley is no stranger to fighting at altitude, having competed in last year’s USA National Open in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

While an agreement is still being arranged, Hensley is also expected to take on an international fighter from Ireland in the coming months.

As she grows familiar with the international circuit, Hensley expects to adapt her style to best counter whoever she sees.

“I know there’s going to be other girls from different countries, so I’ve just got to adjust my style to get used to theirs,” she said.

Having watched a handful of Irish fighters before, Hensley hopes her trademark pressure and power can push her over the top.

“If I start bouncing, I feel like that wouldn’t be as good. In and out wouldn’t really work on that. So I’m gonna have to pressure her and use my movement too,” Hensley said. “But I’d say more pressure, power and aggression will (help me win).”

There will be a fundraiser held at Dudley’s G’s Pizza World in Damascus on Feb. 22. Portions of every pizza, ice cream sundae and milkshake sale will go to fund Hensley’s travel expenses.