(Photo provided by Aliyah Dawkins)
First of all, how did you first get involved
with track & field?
I didn't get really involved in track until 7th
grade; while yes there were the required gym activities, I wasn't really drawn
to it initially. It was something I did because I enjoyed being active and a
lot of my friends were doing it.
What are all your personal records?
Some of my personal
records include 5'5" in high jump, 17'7" in long jump, and 16.48 in
hurdles.
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
Back in 7th and 8th
grade I was also involved with cross country, but I didn't stick with it. On
top of that I am a dancer and have been for 14 years.
What is your favorite or most memorable
competition you've ever been in?
My most memorable
competition I have ever been in was the showcase meet sophomore year. Initially
I was shocked I even got accepted into it because in my mind there was no way I
was nearly as good as the athletes that attend it. Here I was barely jumping
4'10" competing against people who can go over 5'. I think it was the
competition that made me want to do so well, and I did better than I ever had.
I PRed by 6 inches! Never would I have expected to do that well, but I did.
That meet alone boosted my confidence in my ability.
How important do you think that confidence is
in an event that is as highly technical as the high jump?
Confidence is
extremely important. At a certain point, all events become less about physical
ability and more about mental power. You may be able to physically clear a bar,
but if you don't have the confidence it's not going to happen.
(Photo provided by Aliyah Dawkins)
What is it like having a teammate like Erica
Benson to help you train and compete against?
I love having Erica
there, she brings a sort of energy that is to be admired. We try to have the
most fun possible and create ridiculous jokes pretty often, but when it
comes time to be serious the mood changes completely. At that moment we each
get in the zone and do the best we can. Although we technically do compete against
each other I like to see it more as encouragement. Each height we cheer each
other on and push each other to be the best we can.
Other than your own teammates, who are some of
your favorite athletes to compete against?
I don't necessarily
have a favorite person to compete against, mainly because I compete against
myself more times than not, but when I go to a bigger meet and I'm ranked
pretty low, it makes me want to improve my own ability to compete at such
levels.
Who are some people that have been most
helpful to you in your athletic career?
Kolb has been especially helpful throughout my
high school career. He will go out of his way to make sure I can become the
best I can be. Coach Stevens in long jump for being not only a motivator but
also helping me get out of my head and trust my ability. And finally, as corny
as it may be my mom is a huge part of my success. She is always there cheering
me on and ready with a hug if I don't do as well as I want.
What is a challenge you have had to face as an
athlete?
The biggest challenges I've had to face as an
athlete stems from worrying that I'm not good enough and just struggling to get
out of my head.
What were your main goals for this track
season?
My main goals for this
upcoming season were to break 17' in long jump (check that!), jump 5'6" in high jump, and
try to get a low 16 for hurdles.
(Photo provided by Aliyah Dawkins)
How are you feeling about where you are at
performance and training-wise this season?
Now that it is nearing
the end of the season I am seeing all my training come together, and I'm not
saying it's bad and by no mean is it, however, being a slight perfectionist, I
wish I could have done something more to be the best I can possibly be. Overall
though, I have made some new PR's in all 3 of my events. So in hindsight, that
is pretty good.
Do you have any college plans yet?
For college I want to
continue my track career, however my education has always been my main goal.
The college I am hoping to get into is Western Washington University.
What are the main things you are looking for
in your potential college choices?
In my potential college choices I am mainly
looking for a good behavioral neuroscience program, but other things do come
into play when I'm searching; I'm looking for a smaller school, one in which I
can at least have some sort of relationship with my professors (by no means is
a first name basis necessary, but I do feel at least somewhat knowing them is
important) scholarships are important, location, simple things like that.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or
superstitions either on or off the track?
I don't really have
superstitions but before a big meet Erica Benson and I tend to run a mile then
spend a good half an hour stretching. Above that I'll have my mom braid my hair
if she has the time to.
When not doing anything track-related, what
might we find you doing?
If I'm not at track
you can find me studying or working at the local DQ. Other than those I'll
probably be adventuring with friends.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I'm not rather
bizarre, but I once tried chicken feet...
(Photo provided by Aliyah Dawkins)