Jaylah Lawson '17 Recruiting Profile

I am looking to improve myself athletically and academically on a collegiate level. I am very determined, especially when it comes to athletics. My years of experience have helped me gain the mental toughness that is necessary for an athlete to have in order to succeed. 

I have participated in a variety of sports, including cross country (middle school), basketball, and flag football. This shows my diversity with athletics and my experience with being on a team. I understand that when you are a part of a team (even in a mostly individual sport like track) oftentimes it can't always be about me me me. I have to think of what the team needs and what my contributions have to be in order to make sure those needs are met.

Junior year was my first year running hurdles, where I ran a 45:38 PR, was Region Champion in both 100m and 300m hurdles, and qualified for state. I know what it is like to fall down (literally in both 100m and 300m hurdles) and to have to pick myself back up to finish the race.

My goal for this season is to get my sprinting times down as low as possible, and get where I need to be in long jump, while keeping myself academically stable. I want to do what I need to get done, and also have fun at the same time. While I know it's important to focus and place as high as possible in events, I also enjoy just being an athlete and competing and pushing myself (and my teammates) to get better. 

I know that I am not the world class, state/national championship-winning, super athlete that every coach wants, but I believe that my refusal to give up and willingness to put in the hard work to try and get there makes me a valuable asset.