My journey into track and field was anything but conventional.
While many athletes dedicate their entire childhood to perfecting their craft, I didn’t compete in track and field until my junior year of high school. Even then, I had no aspirations of becoming a Division One athlete.
I initially joined the track team because one of the coaches noticed I had the highest vertical on the basketball team and encouraged me to join. I was a bit hesitant at first, but decided to give it a try.
It was fun to try something new, and I enjoyed the experience of competing in a different sport.
But I quickly realized that I had a natural talent for it.
Despite being a latecomer to the sport, I found some success early on, particularly in the triple jump. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to start young to make it big. Sometimes, the late bloomers have the biggest breakthroughs—your starting line doesn’t determine your finish line.
During my junior year, I even qualified for the Junior Olympics, which was a turning point. I began to believe that I could take this sport further.
In the summer of 2023, I made a significant decision. I quit basketball and committed myself fully to track and field. However, this decision came with its own set of challenges. My coach left for another opportunity, leaving me without guidance.
I had to rely on myself, teach myself the intricacies of the sport, and design my own training program. It was a daunting task, but I was determined to make it work.
Resilience pays off
My senior year of high school brought its own set of challenges and triumphs.
I started the season with the same jump I had achieved in the Junior Olympics, which was a positive sign that my hard work was paying off.
However, the offers from colleges weren’t pouring in as I had hoped. I had a few Division Three offers, but I knew I could achieve more.
Despite the setbacks, I kept pushing forward. I won the KIL meet, which was a significant accomplishment for me. I carried that momentum into regionals and became the regional champion. It was a testament to the progress I had made without a coach.
When it came time for the state competition, I faced another mental battle. My first jumps were far from my best, and doubt crept in. But I didn’t let failure define me. I silenced the negative thoughts and focused on the runway. In my final jump, I achieved a new personal record and earned a spot on the podium. It was a powerful lesson in perseverance and not letting failure stop me.
With my high school career behind me, I was offered a Division One scholarship at East Tennessee State University. It was an exciting opportunity, but I quickly realized that the challenges of being a Division One athlete were far from over.
Injuries and independence
The coach who recruited me left two weeks after I arrived on campus, leaving me once again without guidance. I had to rely on myself and train independently. It was a familiar situation, but this time, I had the added pressure of competing at the collegiate level.
As the indoor season approached, I had to compete unattached because the university didn’t have an indoor program for men’s track and field. It was a unique experience, but I embraced it and continued to push myself.
My hard work paid off when I achieved a new personal record during the indoor season. However, my success was short-lived as I suffered a torn tendon in my ankle during the final meet of the season. It was a devastating setback, but I refused to let it define me.
I focused on my recovery and came back stronger for the outdoor season.
Despite another injury and a bout of food poisoning, I continued to push forward. I achieved personal records in both the long jump and triple jump, proving to myself that I could overcome any obstacle.
Overcoming adversity
As the outdoor season came to a close, I made the difficult decision to enter the transfer portal. It was a choice driven by the need for a coach who could provide the guidance and support I needed to reach my full potential.
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that sometimes all you have is yourself, and that’s okay. Even when you don’t know if things will work out, resilience alone can work wonders. Every setback, every moment of doubt, has taught me that brokenness is often the road to breakthrough.
I’ve faced countless challenges, but I’ve never allowed them to define me. I’ve embraced failure as a stepping stone to success and have always kept my eyes on the prize.
My story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that brokenness is often the beginning of breakthroughs. I may not be the best collegiate athlete yet, but I’m working towards it every day.
My journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see where my determination and hard work will take me.