Athlete Spotlight: Track & Field’s Brooks Stands Out
posted by Shania Ingram | November 6, 2020 | In News, SportsJerinique “Speed Stick” Brooks has always waved the banner high for the Women’s Track and Field team at Fayetteville State University. After copping double gold in the women’s 60m and 200m races at the 2020 CIAA indoor championships, the sprint sensation also managed to finish the indoor season with the CIAA Athlete of the Year award. She was also a part of the indoor championship All-American 400m relay team for FSU.
Brooks attributes to her success to her positive attitude and discipline: “My coach back in high school always said that if we train hard, we win easy,” Brooks said.
This mantra stuck with Brooks over the years and was a constant reminder that fueled for her athletic success.
“I never cry” she said, when asked about her response to failure and defeat. “I accept defeat and use it a motivation for the next race.”
One of the most admirable things about Brooks is her consistency.
As a Bahamian national and huge fan of American track star Allison Felix, Brooks always had a passion for what she does. This year would have been a pivotal moment in her amateur stages of track if it were not disturbed by COVID-19. Brooks was poised on qualifying for her country’s 2021 Summer Olympic team, but with the event being postponed until 2021, she is now focusing on staying in tip top shape.
With the pandemic eliminating the outdoor season this year, the NCAA gave all final year athletes an additional outdoor season, which means Brooks will still be eligible to compete for the Broncos starting March of 2021.
Apart from sports, Brooks consistently made the Dean’s list with a GPA over 3.5 and in the fall of 2018 was a recipient of the chancellor’s academic award. The recent graduate, who now has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice anticipates completing her master’s degree here at FSU this coming spring.
Her legacy has been an inspiration to her fellow teammates and other student-athletes. She hopes they will emulate her hard work and maintain champion’s mindset on their own paths to success.
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