WASHINGTON (July 12, 2022) – Howard University junior public relations major, sports administration and sociology minor
Jade Spurlock discuss the experience of recent graduate
Kennedy Lewis (Atlanta) and her journey spent on the women's track team.
Q: When did you first become interested in running track?
A: In middle school, I showed interest in the sport after sending race footage to my uncle, a well-known track coach in the DMV. He noticed my potential and presented me with the opportunity to train with his team during the summer months. Shortly after, I decided to switch sports and train for track full time.
Q: How has running track impacted your life?
A: The sport has opened my eyes to new people, experiences and places I would have never encountered otherwise. The sport taught me how to persevere through tough times and how to be patient and trust the process.
Q: How did you balance training, academics and social life?
A: Even though it was a challenge at times, I always had to remember why I came to Howard. I remembered my purpose and striving to earn my degree helped me prioritize my activities while staying focused on the end goal.
Q: What will you miss most about competing at Howard?
A: I will miss the family aspect of the athletic department. It was very comforting for all the student-athletes from every sport to come support one another at their respective games and meets. The student-athletes at Howard truly embody what it means to be a family.
Q: Looking back, what is your fondest memory of playing this sport?
A: My fondest memory of running track was in the summer of 2016 during my first year running track. I was new to the sport and did not know much about it, but after training for two short months, I was fortunate enough to qualify for the USATF National meet. This memory is so close to my heart because it showed me that even beginners can compete among the best athletes.
Q: What were your preferred pre-game, locker room and post-game routines?
A: During my pre-meet prep, I always listened to the same playlist in a certain order. The playlist was made strategically so that the cadence of each song matched a particular drill. This also helped ease my nerves and stay focused before my races.
Q: Who is/was the most significant influence in your life (sports and non-sports related)?
A: On the track, the most influential person is my Uncle Joe because he introduced me to the sport. Soon after, I fell in love with the sport because of what he taught me.
Off the track, my mom has been a staple in my life because she kept me grounded and focused on my priorities in the classroom and throughout my life.
Q: What is one important lesson you've learned from your coach?
A: Patience. After being a student-athlete under Coach
David Oliver (Howard Director of Track & Field), I have learned that the process does not manifest overnight. He taught me to stay the course, continue my training and trust the process.
Q: Using one word, how do you think your teammates would have described you?
A: Leader
Q: What are your plans post-graduation?
A: This fall, I will be pursuing my master's degree at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama.
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to a fellow student-athlete or future Bison, what would it be?
A: Trust the process and stay true to yourself. You need to spend time with yourself outside your sport and do not let it consume you.
Also, prioritize what is important to you and the rest will fall into place.
About Kennedy:
- Personal:
- Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
- Major: Strategic, Legal, And Management Communications
- Concentration: Advertisement
- Minor: Graphic Design
- Academic:
- Athletic:
- Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Qualifier
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
