Justice Smith '17 Recruiting Profile

I came from an athletic background, like every child I aspire to be like my parents, athletically like my mother.  The first time I ever thought about doing track was five years ago, when I found newspaper articles and trophies of my mom when she competed back in high school and also in college.  After learning more about the sport and the different type of events.  I wanted to start instantaneously, in the beginning, it was all fun and games to hang out with friends, and to just simply have something to do, up until my mom introduced me to long jump.  For a beginner, I did exceptionally well jumping 13ft as a ten year old.  At that instance my mom knew that I really had to get focused in order to make a name for myself. 

                Each year from that point on I  progressed gradually with the coaching of my mom for jumps and my dad who is my nutritionist and strength trainer, when I compare myself from then to now, track has made a significant effect on my character, personality, and long term goals. I used to be shy and had little to no self-confidence. Through those stages I was at most a follower, trying to fit in so I can be a crowd pleaser.  I often worried about having “cool” friends, and satisfying everybody I became friends/acquaintances with.  Not realizing I was making everyone else happy except myself.  Looking back on that, really shows how much I have grown not only as an athlete but as a person.  I now have the mindset of a leader, I no longer wanted be a follower possibly going down the wrong path. I want to inspire others, and have a positive effect on people lives.