Growing up, I always felt the need to have to prove myself.
I was the only girl in a family with five bothers, and grew up in a household with Nigerian immigrant parents who valued education and hard work.
My father brought our family to America, and my mother worked tirelessly to provide for us.
Unfortunately, our circumstances prevented my siblings and I from participating in extracurricular activities.
However, when I reached high school, there was a bus that could bring me home after school that allowed me to pursue my passion for track and field.
I’ve always dreamt of running track, and making the varsity team as a freshman confirmed my ability in the sport.
The competitive nature of my family fueled my drive, and I was determined to excel in both academics and athletics.
Paving my own path
Despite my success in high school, the recruitment process for college was slow and uncertain.
COVID-19 disrupted everything, and many schools I spoke to initially expressed interest, only to back out later.
I began to question whether I wanted to continue running track in college.
It was during this time of uncertainty that I turned to my faith and drew closer to God.
Through a connection between my high school sprint coach and Coach Stephanie Perkins at BYU, I received an opportunity to join their track team.
Initially, the idea of moving to the West Coast and being so far from home was terrifying.
I had never been home alone before, let alone thousands of miles away from my family.
However, my high school coach convinced me that BYU was the best option, primarily because of Coach Perkins’ expertise as a hurdle mechanic.
Under her guidance, I improved significantly in just my freshman year.
Leaving my mark at BYU
My time at BYU brought both triumphs and challenges.
One of the most difficult periods was during my last year when Coach Perkins left.
Adapting to a new coaching system was incredibly tough for me.
It was a bit of a mental battle.
Yet, I leaned on my faith and relied on God to get through that challenging time.
Knowing that Coach Dana Boone at UCF saw potential in me and believed in my abilities was a critical moment for me.
Her decision to reach out to me and offer me a spot on the roster at UCF gave me hope and reassurance during a difficult period in my athletic career.
The UCF experience
Transferring to UCF has been an incredible blessing.
I was initially apprehensive about the transition, as transferring can be daunting for any athlete.
However, I quickly found a supportive environment at UCF.
The community, teammates, and coaches have become like a second family to me.
I experienced immediate success, both academically and athletically, breaking personal records in almost every meet.
The comfort and joy I feel at UCF have been instrumental to my growth as an athlete.
One of my most memorable achievements was securing third place at Big 12s, my first big conference meet.
It was a moment I hadn’t expected at the beginning of the season, but it proved to me that I belonged at that level.
Additionally, representing Nigeria in the African Championships was a dream come true.
Competing for my home country and experiencing the support of UCF in international competitions filled me with immense gratitude.
Beyond the track
While track and field is a significant part of my life, I also have various hobbies that bring me joy.
Crocheting is one of my biggest passions, and I love creating clothes and hats.
I even sell some of my creations.
I also enjoy African dance, sewing, and delving into history through documentaries and conversations with the elderly.
These activities provide a sense of fulfillment and allow me to express my creativity.
As I continue my athletic journey, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.
From my competitive upbringing to my time at BYU and now at UCF, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, perseverance, and surrounding myself with a strong support system.
I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and to continue pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve on and off the track.
I’ve found a home at UCF, and I can’t wait to make the most of my remaining time here.
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📷 Adaobi Tabugbo and UCF Athletics
