Roma Jasmin Patel '24 Recruiting Profile

Greetings Coaches and Colleges!

My name is Roma Jasmin Patel, and I’m currently a junior and competitive sprinter representing Brea-Olinda High School.  My 6-word story is “Resolute-Creative-Leader-Spirited-Lithe-Advocate,” which describes me well in my roles as a scholar-athlete who is ultimately committed to tackling global challenges through scientific discovery and innovation.  In terms of my educational and professional journey, I ultimately see myself standing at the societal intersection of science, technology, public health & policy, and governance.  Excelling in the classroom and on the track is where I am currently in that journey.

While I’ve finally discovered my athletics niche on the track, my first sport was soccer, which I’ve passionately played at the club-level for the past 9 years.  I also play defender, midfielder, and striker for my high school’s Varsity Soccer Team.  Our club team, AC Brea PDA, has competed at the highest levels and traveled throughout the country.  What my teammates, coaches, and parents always quickly pointed out is that I am a strong runner – “swift and graceful like a gazelle” they say!

Believe it or not, I did not actually consider running competitively until my sophomore year, when I was approached by the high school track coach.  I found my first opportunity with the Wildcat Varsity Cross-Country Team, and later on the Wildcat Varsity Track Team with the 400m and 200m sprints plus multiple relay teams.  My first year of XC was quite successful, as we took league and later ran at the State Finals.  Likewise, my first track season saw us take league and compete at the CIF Sectional Finals – in relays and at the individual-level.  We’ve met with similar success this past season, and I’ve enjoyed adding the 800m distance to my sprinting portfolio – achieving a PR of 2:20 this season and being ranked in the Top 50 for California’s Class of 2024. And, with steady race-over-race improvement this year, I’m confident about running my way into the Top 10 next season.

Running helps me relax and focus, which are two essentials for student-athletes in the era of the pandemic.  Running allows me to compete with the best and maintain a growth mindset – both on the track and in school.  In the classroom, I’ve excelled academically while navigating through the IT pathway and a rigorous slate of honors and AP courses… and, I’m on track towards becoming a National Merit Scholar.  Among my various extracurricular activities, I am currently the Class Treasurer, lead our Model United Nations Team, and also serve as President of BOHS Wellness Club.   My academic and athletic schedules are definitely intense at times!  And, I’m confident that they have further cultivated my discipline and determination to be a strong student-athlete at the university-level.