We're saluting the class of 2020 during a difficult time.
With the upcoming track season hanging in the balance, this senior class needs our support now more than ever.
If you wanted to be featured, get all of the information here on how we can honor you in your senior season.
Next up is University of Tennessee signee and Lipscomb Academy senior Mikele Vickers. She's been one of the state's best sprinters and horizontal jumpers over the past couple of years, and will leave behind an awfully big legacy in Middle Tennessee.
Here's what she had to say about her career as a track and field athlete going into her senior year.
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What made you get into track and field in the first place and what does this sport mean to you?
Since the age of three, I have been involved in some type of sport. From soccer to tennis to cheerleading. When I was eight, my parents decided to let me try out track and field. My dad, who had played numerous sports as he grew up, ran track at a collegiate level and always told me that track would prepare me for any sport I wanted to try. It ended up being the sport that I became most passionate about.
What was your most memorable race/competition?
I actually have two memorable moments. One was winning the Nashville City Meet my freshman year. It was so memorable because the previous year I false started in the same race and was disqualified. This crushed me because I was so excited for it but it felt great to redeem myself. The other moment was breaking the ten year old national record for long jump (which I still currently hold) at the AAU Junior Olympics on my last attempt.
I faced my biggest competition in New Balance Nationals (Indoor and Outdoor) because national meets are always on another level.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Winning back to back 4x100 relay State Championships and breaking our school record with a different set of teammates each year stands out the most because training for it was definitely a journey. Honestly, each year I was a part of a relay team, the bonds I formed with each teammate were some of the best I have ever had.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
My mental toughness and dedication went through countless ups and downs throughout the years so I would definitely change my mentality to how it is now.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Struggling with trusting the process and maintaining a strong mental toughness were the most difficult obstacles to overcome. Luckily, I made it through!
Having my dad as a coach and my mom as a "manager" will definitely be what I'll miss the most. Love those two.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Keep your head up, don't be afraid to work hard, and Trust. The. Process.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches, for both school and summer track clubs. Especially my dad and my high school coach Todd Cunningham who's been in my life ever since elementary school. They have significantly influenced me through pushing me to be the best on the track, in the classroom as well as in general towards other people. They have all uniquely taught me and shaped me into who I am today both physically and spiritually.
What are your post-high school plans?
My post high school plans are to compete at a collegiate level at University of Tennessee- Knoxville, major in psychology, go to the Olympics, and change the world in some shape or form for the better!
Any shoutouts?
Big shoutouts to my mother Mia Vickers and my father Frank Vickers, my older brother Bryce, literally all of my family, my extraordinary friends, every coach from every sport that I have ever participated in, my entire Lipscomb Academy family and counterparts, my travel sports family, and anyone else who has supported me. Love y'all, peace!
