Countryside senior Johntavia Shaw was one of Florida's more explosive throwers as well as one of the most technically sound if watched her compete at all this season. Shaw produced a pair of state titles in the throws at the FHSAA 3A State Championships winning both the shot put with a personal best mark of 13.57 meters (44'6.25") as well as taking home gold in the the discus at 43.92 meters (144'1.25").
She was undefeated throughout the season in the shot put and discus with the lone exception being a pair of third place finishes against the state's top throwers at the Florida Relays. Shaw was ranked 4th overall in the state regardless of classification in both events at season's end.
One of the premier track & field athletes in Pinellas County this spring, Shaw earned herself a scholarship next to compete at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Below are her answers from our Salute to Seniors series Q&A as a final farewell to all of our class of 2022 Florida high school track & field athletes. If like to contribute your own, more details can be found here.
Salute To Seniors: Johntavia Shaw (Countryside)
1. What was the most memorable throw?
I can definitely say without a doubt that throwing at the 2022 Florida Relay's was one of my most memorable moments. Although it is fairly recent, having the opportunity to throw at the prestigious James Presley Stadium and representing my school will forever hold a place in my memory.
2. Who would be my biggest competition over the years?
My biggest competition over the years would be anyone hailing from the South, in particular, Miami. Every athlete that I've thrown against coming from down south had incredible talent that was nothing short of astounding. After districts, I always looked forward to competing against these aforementioned athletes.
3. What was my greatest accomplishments?
Becoming a DOUBLE Champion in my two favorite events hands down. All those hours spent in the circle repeating the same movements over and over again, lifting heavy weights, and practicing every day was worth it. I now can say I am a State Champ.
4. Who would I consider to be my role model?
I actually have two role models that I constantly look up to anytime I am doing something related to track. In Discus, Valarie Allman and in Shot, Michelle Carter.
5. If I could do it all over again what would I change?
If there is one thing that I could go back and change, it would be my approach to handling my mental fortitude. If you've ever seen me throw in person or just had the chance to see me in general, one of the first things you'll immediately notice is my seriousness and sternness that I display. Obviously, every athlete has this, but I took it to a degree where it became frustration and disappointment if I missed my unreasonable set goal for the day. Anytime this happened, I would get down on myself and start to produce unnecessary negative thoughts. By learning through my mentors and creating ways to letting it go and bouncing back, I approach my mistakes with a better mindset now. But as far as making past changes, this would be the first.
6. What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was myself. I had to change the way I approached my failures and mistakes. It not only improved my outlook on throwing, but it made me a better athlete in general.
7. What will I miss the most?
The people and places that I got to meet, and experience will be the things I miss most. From supporters to the athletes, the venues that were walking distance to the ones that were across the state. I will always remember waiting for our AP's to announce our dismissal so I can go compete.
8. What advice would I give to a younger athlete?
To the younger athletes, I would start off by saying enjoy the experience. There are going to be days where your academic workload is insane and it will take everything you have to head to the locker room at 2:00 to get ready for practice. Push through the pain, make friends with your teammates and strive to be the best runner, hurdler, jumper, vaulter or thrower you can be. This is one of the sports that will forever be in your memory. So make it one that you'll come back to often.
9. What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and life goals?
Though their title say coach and assistant I like to look at them as life long friends. Words cannot begin to describe the influence and teachings that they have given me throughout the years. No matter what issue or obstacle that presented itself on and off the track, they were there to help me get through it and to keep going on.
10. What are my post-high school or college plans?
I plan to continue my track career on a collegiate level at Winthrop University which is a D1 in South Carolina. I will be majoring in Sociology with a minor in Criminology. I'm really excited to be apart of the NCAA and can't wait to make a name for myself. I want to become the best thrower and eventually represent my school in the NCAA Championships both indoor and outdoor.
11. Who would I like to thank?
I would like to say thank you to my mom, my coaches and my family. There's no way I could have done it without the support system I was blessed to have.
