Sophomore "standout," Raven Hamilton.
The Winston-Salem State women’s track and field team is having a breakthrough season and placed second in the outdoor conference championship meet April 17-18, shortly after taking home a CIAA indoor championship trophy in February.
The team finished fourth place in the indoor and outdoor conference championships last season. This improvement impresses Head Coach Inez Turner.
"The athletes did everything they were told; they couldn’t have done better. I am satisfied with every performance," Turner said.
Out of the many athletes admired by Turner, she chose sophomore standout Raven Hamilton as this issue’s Coach’s Game Ball recipient.
Hamilton, a Greensboro native, transitioned from sprinting (in the 200 meter dash) as a freshman to a nationally ranked middle-distance runner this season. She ranks 24th in the nation and first in the CIAA with a time of 2:12.34 in the 800 meter dash [as of April 24].
Hamilton also ran her personal best in the 400 meter dash this season and is part of WSSU’s 4×400 meter relay team, which ranks sixth in the nation.
Turner is particularly impressed with Hamilton’s performance and progress.
"When it comes to moving up to a higher level, that is Raven Hamilton," Turner said.
Hamilton, an elementary education major, also excels beyond athletics. She made the Dean’s List in fall 2014 with a 3.3 GPA.
Argus: When did you begin running track?
Hamilton: I began running track my 7th grade year of middle school. My best friend’s father pushed me to run, so I did.
Argus: What was it about track that captured your interest?
Hamilton: Track is honestly something I love. It’s competitive and it gives me room to improve my times, my mentality and also disciplines me. Our sport is a lot of sports punishment, and we love to do it.
Argus: Describe the feeling you had after signing with WSSU.
Hamilton: My initial feeling was relief. I was excited to be on an all-girls team. I knew it would be like a sisterhood.
Argus: What is one major challenge you’ve had to overcome thus far at WSSU?
Hamilton: Self doubt. You are your biggest obstacle Once I overcame that, it was on!
Argus: In what area have you improved the most? What did it take for that improvement to happen?
Hamilton: I’ve improved mostly in my 800 [meter dash], and I still have more to go. And to think I’ve only been doing this for a year, thanks to my amazing, spontaneous coach.
Argus: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hamilton: Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of yoga and stretching. I’m so amazed by the poses they are able to do.
Argus: What is/are your main goal(s) this season? What must happen for you to reach those?
Hamilton: My goal by the end of the season is to hit a 2:10 [in the 800 meter dash]. I like to remain optimistic and faithful in my God given abilities. That’s how I reach my goals.
Argus: What are your plans after WSSU?
Hamilton: My plans are to go to graduate school and to become a teacher. I want to be that teacher that makes children actually enjoy coming to class.
Argus: What impact do you hope to make on WSSU track and field?
Hamilton: I hope to leave the drive to remain positive in all situations. I want all the future members of the Lady Rams track team to know that in order to be the best, you must have the best mentality