You may only know a few seconds of my story.
One curve. One straightaway.
Maybe two if I’m racing a 400.
My sprints are a flash at meets, but I've faced many challenges on my journey as a runner.
I’ve battled injuries and struggled with my mental health.
I earned a spot at the school I’ve always talked about and then realized it wasn’t a good fit.
My experience as a student-athlete features challenges, doubts, and, most importantly, hope.
My story is one of strength and resilience, and I hope it encourages other student-athletes to advocate for stronger futures for themselves and their teammates.
Navigating the Transfer Portal
Many athletes don’t talk about the transfer portal.
It can destroy athletes’ self-confidence.
It certainly affected mine.
The entire experience put me on edge. I felt anxious I wouldn’t find a new community.
I battled terrible shin splints and injuries that I felt would prevent me from ever competing again.
I wasn’t sure if any coaches would want to take a chance on an athlete with ongoing health issues.
But, in the midst of the transfer portal tornado, I connected with Coach Cooper at South Carolina State University.
The new beginning calmed me.
Coach saw past my injuries. He trusted me, and he trusted my talent.
He told me, “We’re going to get you healthy and we're gonna get you running again.”
Coach introduced me to wearing custom shoe insoles.
It may seem like a simple solution, but even the smallest adjustment (and rehab) corrected my form.
Now, I’m literally taking stronger steps to improve my running career.
I felt overwhelmed by the transfer portal process, but, in the end, I found a new team who embraces me.
With their support, I strive to be better each day.
I will heal.
I will strengthen my stride.
I will race again.