Then and Now

I went to school to run and compete, and it was cross country coach Isaac Wood* that brought me to SLCC. Years before, I had told him that one day, I would love to run for him. I got into running to avoid bullies when I was in 8th grade growing up in South Carolina. And ever since then, it is how I've channeled adversity. When there has been heartache or heavy disappointment in my life, I go for a long run, and sometimes amazing things happen on those runs.

It was at SLCC that I gained the nickname, Cinderella, when my shoe fell off in the 2024 cross country nationals. I ran back to pick up and hurried to put it on, then went on to win the race and break a record. I remember feeling God's love, strength, and voice telling me that this race was not only for me but also for my team and everyone who has always been behind me.

I stayed at SLCC until my eligibility ended, but while I was there, I made the most of it. I earned multiple NJCAA national records, including the indoor and outdoor 5,000 meter and the indoor 3,000 meter. I earned the NJCAA National Athlete of the Year twice, 2024 NJCAA West Region Athlete of the Year, and the NJCAA Cross Country National Champion twice.

When I left SLCC, I was able to sign with Saucony, and I'm aiming and training for the 2028 Olympics. Obviously running will not last forever, so one day I'd like to work with kids, maybe as a teacher or a coach.

"When there has been heartache or heavy disappointment in my life, I go for a long run, and sometimes amazing things happen on those runs."

Advice

To athletes, I'd say despite adversity, try to be grateful for every opportunity. Even be grateful for opposition, because that will build you up. It did for me. And never stop believing in yourself. Coach Wood used to say, "When things get hard, remember why you started." That really got me through stressed-out, burned-out times.

* Isaac Wood was the head cross country/track coach at SLCC from May 2022 to June 2025.