(Photos by Lindsey Porter)
Shorecrest Prep senior Assata Trader has made her college decision. The 2013 1A state champion in the 100 meter dash considered the University of North Florida, North Carolina A&T State University and Florida Atlantic University. Find out where she chose and the goals for the final weeks of her high school career and beyond.
How did you get started in track and field?
Ever since I was little I played soccer, I never even knew about track until middle school when my friends were telling me how great I would be if I ran. In seventh grade I started and like it even though I had no idea what I was doing. It wasn't until my sophomore year when I fell in love with the sport because we (Shorecrest) got a sprint coach who taught me everything I know now.
What was the recruiting process like for you and when did it really take off?
The recruiting process was a little hectic at times because I was new to it all,
late getting started, and senior year was going by so fast! I was getting calls and emails in the beginning of my senior year from some Division 2 and 3 schools, but my heart was set on Division 1. I knew that if I was patient and focused on working hard in practice something would come through, and in the middle of senior year we got calls from Division 1 schools.
late getting started, and senior year was going by so fast! I was getting calls and emails in the beginning of my senior year from some Division 2 and 3 schools, but my heart was set on Division 1. I knew that if I was patient and focused on working hard in practice something would come through, and in the middle of senior year we got calls from Division 1 schools.
You have decided to head to Boca Raton and run for Florida Atlantic. What sold you about the Owl's program?
When I visited FAU I loved the campus and the area itself. What sold me was the team, the coaches, and yes the dorms. Everyone on the team seemed to get along very well and I noticed that they cared about each other and wanted to see each other succeed. I could tell that the coaches really took time to pay attention to each athlete and was passionate about helping each person become a better athlete and student as well. If I had to describe the team in one word I would say family.
In 2013, you won the 1A state championship in the 100 meter dash and have had great success at Shorecrest. How would you describe your high school career?
In 2013, you won the 1A state championship in the 100 meter dash and have had great success at Shorecrest. How would you describe your high school career?
I think my career at Shorecrest has been great. Academically, I've done pretty well and I'm thankful for all the resources provided and the faculty at Shorecrest to help everyone succeed. Athletically, I'm so glad they hired my track coach because I've come a long way since my freshman year! Overall, my time at Shorecrest has been a learning experience and I'm glad I stayed because looking back I couldn't see myself anywhere else.
Last week you finished second in the 100 and third in the 200 at the 1A3 Regional Championships. With the state meet two weeks away what are your goals for the end of the season?
For the next two weeks I will continue to work on form and remember that it's all about execution.
What do you want people to remember most about Assata Trader?
I want everyone to know that even though I may not have been in the spotlight all the time, I never stopped working hard in practice and I never stopped trying. I never gave up. No, I haven't been running since I was five or six, but these past two years I've made tremendous improvement just by putting in the time and giving glory to God. I read a quote a little while ago that said, "I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday," and I believe this is true. Through all the pain, sweat, and tears you have to keep going. Every day you wake up, each practice you go to is another opportunity to get better that you can't waste! Only a few people truly believed in me and now I can say I made it, but it's not over yet.