Imani Carpenter '22 Recruiting Profile

My name is Imani Jolie Carpenter. I am a Senior at Little Rock Central High School. I began track and field in 7th grade, I have qualifed for Junior Olympics since I started. When the Covid Pandemic hit my Freshman year of high school, it effected me in all areas including, track. As a result of the pandemic, I learned to persevere. I returned to in person school this year as a Junior, but with my hard work over the years in and outside of the classroom, I gained enough credits to graduate a year early and as a scholar. As for track, it was my safe haven during the pandemic. Every day even when tracks were closed I trained. I developped mentally and physically to a top tier level. I trained with the current collegiate athletes at that time, and when I started to reach and surpass the level they were at in my Freshman year summer, I realized I had what it takes to be a collegiate athlete. Not only did I realize I could be one, I made up my mind I wanted to be one because track is my happy place. When practices are tough, I get happy because I know what I feel is improvement and it will show up in my meets. I strongly believe God does everything for a reason! Therefore, he introduced me to track to show me what faith and hard work brings - rewards and happiness, state champion and the ability to inspire. I also believe that my future consists of track and field at the collegiate level while studying to become a pediatrician. Those two things are near and dear to my heart and crossed paths as I love children and I was given the opportunity to coach youth speed lessons this summer; my trainees have now reached major accomplishments and I'm grateful track presented the opportunity. Track continues to bring me joy and I am looking forward to what my collegiate career brings!!