Women's Track and Field | 1/28/2015 1:12:00 PM
BALTIMORE – Recently,
Deandra Daniel established an indoor school record in the high jump by clearing 1.83 meters (six feet). She was rewarded for her efforts last week by being named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Field Athlete of the Week.
Daniel is a special student-athlete with a glowing personality and a sparkling spirit. She is a four-time MEAC high jump champion. She also competed in the NCAA Division I Outdoor Preliminary Championships last season. In addition, Daniel represented her country of Trinidad & Tobago this summer at the Scotland Games in England.
Her current standard of 1.83 meters is the second-best mark nationally in the high jump. Daniel took a brief break from her training to speak with www.coppinstatesports.com earlier this week. Here's a quick five-minute timeout with Daniel.
What was the feeling of achieving 6 feet in the indoor high jump?"It was a great feeling, but wasn't satisfied. I think I was more disappointed because I knew what I could have done. I will admit that it was a relief to finally clear 1.83 meters indoor. I appreciate that my coaches made me feel good about the effort and they were more happy than I was.
Describe your training and how much the experience of competing internationally this past summer helped your preparation for the indoor season."Competing this summer internationally really helped me a lot. I don't feel as intimidated when I am at a meet and I know how what it feels like to compete against the best. I am much stronger mentally this year and more confident. I have bigger goals this year."
Who or what drives you competitively?"It's not one person, but I know I have to make it. Plus I just want to be great and I know that high-jumping can really take me far. There's not much pressure coming from my hometown, but they want me to reach the Olympics. I know that's a possibility if I continue to work hard and be consistent."
What is the key to balancing academics and athletics?"Goal-setting is the key. I have to plan out everything and stick to it. I also recommend to trust your coach because they know what they're doing. In addition, you always have to put your best foot forward at all times and do extra work."
What did you do during Christmas break?"Even though I trained most of my break, I was able to relax a little, have a little fun and spend time around my family. It was good to be around my family. My mom and I cooked."
Name the one thing you would have to bring with you if you were stuck on deserted island."This is a hard question because everything is important to me, but since you're making choose one thing, I would take my mom. I have a hard time choosing things most of the time."
What are your goals for next month's MEAC Indoor Championship meet?"I want to be consistent with my jumps and do what I've been doing most of this season. I don't want to change anything. It would mean a lot to me to be a three-time indoor champion in the high jump. It's something I never want to lose."
