Throughout the remainder of the Spring Semester, The Summit League is going to feature senior student-athletes that had their seasons cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. Various student-athletes from each of the league's member institutions from the sports of baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track and field will be featured during this campaign.
1. What is the earliest childhood memory you have of the sport you participated in during college? Who do you credit for introducing you to the sport? Who sparked that passion for you?
"When I was five years old, during PE, I ran against the girls and the boys for 200 meters. I won against each one of them and my teacher from back then, Ms. Mia, told my parents that I should enter a track and field club since I was very fast. This was my first ever childhood memory of starting track and field."
2. What was your favorite on-field/on-court/on-track/on-course memory during your time as a Summit League student-athlete? What made it special?
"On April 6, 2019, I competed in the long jump at the Mizzou Spring Open and I broke my friend and former teammate Jasmine's school record. I jumped 6m 23 cm (20ft 5 inches). It was very special since Jasmine came to the meet and she witnessed me outjumping her record. Two weeks later, I competed in the long jump at the Tom Botts Invitational and I broke my own record. Then I had jumped 6m 25 cm (20ft 6.25 inches). It was even more special since my parents came from Belgium to witness this."
3. What is the strangest superstition yourself or one of your collegiate teammates has?
"One of my strangest superstitions during running or jumping events is that I always retie my shoes over and over again."
4. Tell us about one person that has come into your life since beginning your collegiate athletics career and how they impacted your life? This could be a coach, teammate, administrator, trainer, etc… Take this opportunity to give them a shout out for what they've done for you.
"I would like to thank two coaches who have been there for me when I competed and during the time I was injured: Coach Stevenson and Coach Maas. My collegiate athletics career all started when coach Stevenson recruited me from Belgium. Never had I ever expected to compete in the United States nor The Summit League and the NCAA. Coach Maas has really been there for me during my injury. He listened to me, gave his shoulder to cry on, and cheered me up. Thanks to his trust and belief, I was able to make a comeback that exceeded my expectations."
5. What will be your biggest takeaway from this current situation that you hope can better yourself and those around you?
"I hope that everyone can stay safe and healthy. This is a time to get closer with your family and to cherish the precious time you receive with everyone."
