A highly-respected pre-med program has helped Bradley Central track and cross country runner Maber LaShae Kienlen decide to make Lee University her home for the next four years.
"I choose Lee because of the great atmosphere and the academic opportunity it affords me to be very successful," said Kienlen after signing with cross country coach Don Jayroe. "It came down between Lee and Carson-Newman. Academically, Lee had what I was looking for in the pre-med field. Their acceptance rate to medical school is so high. I love running, but it will also help me pay for my education"
Kienlen says she will bring a positive outlook with her to Lee and the cross country team. "I have a strong mindset and I love winning. I encourage my teammates to keep working to improve their times and to just keep on running."
"Lee is getting a great young lady," said Bradley cross country and track coach Larry Cotton. "I hate to see her go. She's a competitor and not only ran cross country, but also ran the 800, one mile and two mile for our track team. She ran the mile in 5.38 and the 5K in 20.02."
Coach Jayroe gave former Lee cross country head coach Bruce Bayliss credit for helping sign Kienlen. "Bruce starting recruiting her before I ever took the job," he pointed out. "I followed up and really let her know we wanted her. What we have to offer in our pre-med program might have made the difference."
Not only did Kienlen consider Carson-Newman, she also looked at Austin-Peay, Tennessee Tech, King College, UT-Chattanooga, and Tennessee Wesleyan.
As a runner, Kienlen and the Bearettes were region champs for three years and runner-up in the state for four years. She was named all-region, placed seventh in the Optimist meet and was named to the Times/Free Press Best of Prep team.
Academically, she is a Tennessee Scholar, a Bear and Chamber of Commerce scholar. She is a member of the City Youth Leadership team, the National Honor Society, Who's Who Among American High School Students and a winner of the 100 Black Men Academic and Gear Up scholarships.
"My goal is to be accepted into med-school," Kienlen said. "I want to lower my times in cross country and help create a good atmosphere with my teammates and hopefully make it to the national championship."
Amber is the daughter of Angelia and Rich Kienlen of Cleveland. |
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