What did your in-season and off-season workout routine look like?
In-season and off-season were both incredibly challenging. Off-season looked like a lot of stadiums (running up and down Jordan-Hare stadium stairs over and over again). One practice was held at 5 am so there was ample time for us to recover before another practice. The off season consisted of much more volume / mileage and heavier weights. The goal was to get a solid strength base in preparation for season. In-season was filled with workouts that were more focused on speed and race preparation. I would run paces that I would run in a race to get used to the speed I would race at. We still lifted three days a week in-season but the lifts were not quite as intense. Off-season lifts were some of the hardest workouts I’ve ever had in my life.
Did you have a nutritionist at Auburn to guide you in your diet?
Yes. They walked us through our blood tests and bone density scans to determine what vitamins we were lacking, and how it affected our performance. I struggled with not drinking enough electrolytes to make up for the amount I sweat. I was given specific snacks and drinks to take to help with this. We also experimented with when the best time to eat lunch was so ensure my energy lasted throughout all of practice. They consistently made sure we had snacks and were eating enough for the amount we were training.
Were you able to get any NIL deals, or profit from being a college athlete?
I was able to work with Milo’s Hamburgers, Mountain High Outfitters, and Awake Chocolate during my time at Auburn. The NIL program through Auburn also allowed me to make money monthly.
You started your track career at Duke and then transferred to Auburn, why?
The coach that I got recruited by at Duke was fired two weeks before I stepped foot on campus. This left me with an entirely new coaching staff that focused more on sprints than my strong suit, distance. Duke did not have athlete priority registration so scheduling classes around practice times was a nightmare. I could not take basic classes required for my major. I wanted to be closer to home in the SEC atmosphere. There’s nothing like competing for the SEC. Arguably, the hardest conference in the NCAA.
How has being a collegiate athlete prepared you for your career and life?
Being a Division I student-athlete has shaped me in ways that go far beyond discipline and coachability. It’s taught me the value of sacrifice—of consistently choosing growth, focus, and long-term goals over short-term enjoyment. It’s taught me to have a relentless work ethic. Competing in D1 (really any division) athletics is like holding a full-time job—6 a.m. workouts, travel, recovery, team meetings—all while maintaining top academic standing. Being coached, I’m used to receiving feedback, both positive and negative. In sales, the ability to take feedback and adapt quickly is crucial for hitting quota and improving over time. I’ve developed strong cognitive and emotional intelligence. In my time at Auburn, I achieved the highest level of academic excellence. Achieving Summa Cum Laude status indicates analytical thinking, learning agility, and problem-solving—skills essential for understanding buyer needs and navigating complex sales processes. Add in the emotional discipline strengthened in high-stakes competition, and you’ve got someone who can handle rejection, stay positive, and stay focused. I developed quite the competitive nature, and sales is a performance-driven career. I thrive in environments with clear targets, leaderboards, and performance metrics. I’ve learned to be a team player with leadership skills. I’ve learned that success is more than self and sharing best practices lifts the team to victory.
What are your future plans, now that college is over?
I am now working as a Territory Account Manager in the commercial sector for Defy Security. Defy is a value-added reseller that solely focuses on cybersecurity. I am in charge of 7 states in the Southeast. This role challenges me every day to be bold and persistent in my goals. I would love to help with any of y’alls security needs.
Cover Photo Courtesy of Auburn Athletics
