UDC Women’s Track Team Ready For Outdoor Season Success
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a solid indoor track & field season that saw the Firebirds place 3rd at the East Coast Conference Championship after dominating the sprint events, UDC will now attempt to claim a 2nd straight outdoor championship this spring.
With former workhorse Kaydian Jones graduated as of last May, the remaining trio of All-Americans from last year's school-record setting 4x400M Relay squad - Jerily Benjamin, Simone Grant and Marlena Wright – will look to lead this year's Firebirds squad. Head Coach Alton McKenzie is looking for each of them to make an impact not just in the 4x400M relay, but individually.
"They have already accomplished so much in our conference, but I feel they can succeed individually in the region and nation in the 200, 400 and long jump as well."
Senior Kimoy Mais (Mass Media - St. Andrew, Jamaica – St. Andrew HS) is also poised to make an impact this outdoor season in the 400M and 800M races after recovering from her injuries during the indoor season. McKenzie expects contributions from everyone on the roster.
"I'm looking for Christina Baker to continue making strides in her events - the 200M and 400M - as well as make contributions in the sprint relay teams," McKenzie said. "Freshmen Shayna Hodge and Geordinell Thurston will look to add depth in the sprints and we'll have some presence in the hurdles as well from Shayna."
The Firebirds also expect to get some major contribution in the field events form the likes of newcomer Tajah Franklin in the Shot Put, as well as Tatyana Calhoun. Myla Sommerville (Elementary Education - Loveville, MD – Bowie State) scored in the High Jump at the ECC Championships last outdoor season and may do so again this year.
Tiara Goode (Criminal Justice - Brentwood, NY – Brentwood HS) has shown promise in the Javelin in previous years, and after a year removed for playing lacrosse, may contend in that event as well during this Outdoor Season.
According to McKenzie, the Firebirds are proud of what they have accomplished in recent years and would like to continue that success.
"The bar has been set very high, but I believe we are up to the challenge, once again, to compete at a very high level."