Firebird Spotlight - Brittany Okon, Women's Cross Country and Track & Field

About Brittany

Brittany is a senior member of the women’s cross country/track & field team majoring in Health Education.  Her ultimate career goal is to earn a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.  Upon graduating from the University, Brittany intends to prepare for graduate school entrance exams and intern with a physical therapist.

Why UDC

Hailing from the Bronx, NY, Brittany described Washington, D.C. as a mini New York, adding that she was drawn to city life.  Brittany decided to attend the University of the District of Columbia because she enjoyed the people she met and already knew some of the runners from New York that were attending UDC. Brittany indicated she likes Washington better than New York, as she enjoys D.C.’s city vibe. She’s considering staying in the area.

Athletics 

Brittany started running at the age of 10.  Growing up, she was very active and would race her younger brother and his friends. Brittany’s brother Brandon, a rugby player, is currently studying Engineering at the City College of New York.  Brandon was the only boy Brittany could not beat when racing!

Student Involvement 

As an extremely active student-athlete, Brittany says she enjoys sleeping because she “doesn’t get a lot of sleep.” Currently, Brittany is President of UDC’s  Beta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Vice President of Campaign 30, and Secretary of Women of Worth - a student organization designed to empower women on campus. 

Favorites 

Brittany likes to roller blade and bowl.  She enjoys several music genres ranging from hip-hop and r&b to reggae and sulka.  Far from a picky eater, Brittany says she eats everything and is willing to try any new food.

Race Preparation 

In preparing for races, Brittany drinks a lot of coconut water and she eats pasta the day before.  The coconut water ritual started in high school when she tried it before a race and performed really well.  At race time, Brittany thinks about the phases of the race, concentrating on what she needs to do to execute before the race begins.  The long jump is her favorite event. “Jumping requires focus because you only have three tries,” she said. 

Goals 

In her last outdoor season as a student-athlete this spring, Brittany said: “I want to leave UDC with a bang.”

Advice 

Brittany’s advice for student-athletes:  “If you have a bad day, don’t give up; you must move on.  The majority of sport is mental; don’t give up on what you are passionate about.”

Coach Joel Phillip on Brittany 

“Brittany is one of those student-athletes every coach wishes the entire team can be like. She is very hard-working on the track, and it also shows in the classroom. She is the first to lend a helping hand anyway she can. Whether it is with explaining the workout, drills/exercises to teammates or putting away training equipment after practice, she does so with a smile.

Brittany is a leader, and what is great about that, is that she leads by example. She works hard, and by doing so, she motivates her teammates to also work hard at practice and compete hard when we are at meets.

Lastly, Brittany is very respectful. Probably the most respectful athlete I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. We will surely miss Brittany next season.”