Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?

 

A: Right now, I am getting outside and running whenever I can and also working on strengthening some muscle groups with a variety of circuits, just to keep it interesting. 

 

Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?

A: I am learning new songs on the piano, writing poetry, making Tik Toks, and catching up on all of my Netflix shows.

 

Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?

 

A: My most memorable race was the very first time I won a state title in the 400m. This was so special to me because it was my first state championship after a devastating injury. On top of that, I honestly did not know that I had won until I looked at my family and teammates in the stands and saw them celebrating.

 

Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?

A: The funniest thing that has happened during my running career was actually my first race as a Marker. I was the anchor on the 4x200 and near the end of the race, it was very close and I had thought that another team had already won and that I was just going for second place. I saw my teammates cheering after I had crossed the line and I was thinking to myself, "Why are they so happy about second place?" They later told me that I had caught the team that was in first and that we had won. This was my very first high school win :) 

 

Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

A: Every time I step up to the line, everyone is equal. 

 

Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?

 

A: I think my greatest accomplishment was placing 8th at the U20 Team USA trials. It was such a huge meet and though I did not make the team, it was a great experience and I am proud of myself. 

 

Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

 

A: For the most part, I really wouldn't change a single thing. In some cases, I wish I would have treated each race as if it were a blessing, instead of just something I was entitled to. 

 

Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

 

A: The most difficult obstacle I have had to overcome was dealing with both the physical and mental effects of injuries and being able to have the confidence to continue to do what I love to do. 

 

Q: What will you miss the most?

 

A: I will miss my teammates and my coaches the most, as they have been a huge part of my career. We have had so many great memories and laughs together and it will be difficult to say goodbye to them. 

 

Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?

 

A: I would tell them to truly believe in themselves. Most of the time it is our lack of confidence as athletes that often holds us back from reaching our full potential. It is important to believe that you are worthy of a lane on the track and that you have the ability to become one of the best to ever do it. 

 

Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?

 

A: My Nerinx Hall head coach, Coach Gaylerd Quigley, has always encouraged us to push ourselves beyond what we think we are capable of and has inspired us to believe in ourselves. My St. Louis Blues head coach, Coach Martise Scott, took me under his wing when I was a tiny freshman and helped me to develop into an elite sprinter. He has always treated his athletes like they were his own children and helped us grow both on and off the track.

 

Q: What are your college plans?

 

A: I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Clemson University where I will be majoring in Psychology and minoring in Pan-African Studies. 

 

Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?

 

A: I would like to thank my family, every single one of my coaches, and my teammates from all of my teams. Without them, I would not be able to live my dream of becoming a D1 collegiate athlete.

 

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

 

A: Although it is sad to end my high career like this, I am still grateful for every moment that I was able to spend with some amazing people who definitely helped to shape the person that I am today. 

Thanks so much!