Firebird Spotlight - Kaydian Jones, Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field
Firebird Spotlight – Kaydian Jones
Profile:
Kaydian Jones is a junior Journalism major who hails from Kingston, Jamaica where she says “It is second nature to run. I have been running since elementary school.” The youngest of three boys and two girls, Kaydian indicated that although both her parents were athletes, her mother encouraged her to get involved in various activities including drama club. In addition to running, Kaydian played soccer and stick ball, which she described as “basketball without dribbling.”
After graduation, Kaydian plans to expand on what she has learned by attending graduate school. She also plans to continue pursuing track & field. “Having learned to balance both school and track, I don’t see a future without both!” she declared.
Kaydian’s involvement in Delta Sigma Theta has provided the opportunity and foundation to be a successful woman, destined to give back.
About Washington and UDC:
Kaydian began her college career at North Dakota State University. Fortunately for the Firebirds, she was not happy with her athletic accomplishments at NDSU and contacted her high school coach, who just happened to know head coach Alton McKenzie was building a program at the University of the District of Columbia. Having never visited Washington, D.C., Kaydian found coming to the city very welcoming. She appreciated the class sizes here, preferring to be a name as opposed to a number. She enjoys all of her courses (particularly those pertaining to her major), and she thinks the faculty and staff are great.
Favorites:
Kaydian tries to find time to explore the city. She particularly enjoyed visiting the Martin Luther King , Jr. Memorial. Kaydian indicated she is always in the gym as fitness is important to her. “I value the weight room,” she said. An avid reader, she enjoys cooking and likes to eat everything Jamaican.
She is particularly motivated by Joel Olsteen, whom she describes as “humble.”
Kaydian is more than happy to talk about her external family - individuals she described as “even more than role models…people who keep her motivated when she is discouraged.” She also described head coach Alton McKenzie as her “American Father” and she glowed about her adviser Jay Morrow. “I am blessed to have them in my life,” she said.
About Track & Field:
A few days before races, Kaydian drinks sugar and water. She will not wear socks when racing, indicating they are extra weight. She does wear a compression sock when jumping, however.
The self described “over-thinker” indicated she tries to keep her mind at ease when competing. She tries to view races as practice and she uses imagery and highlights passages from books to remind her of the learning process.
Advice for Student-Athletes:
Kaydian offered the following advice to students: “Go after your dreams and do everything you should be doing. Don’t let family and friends deter you. Be persistent. You only get one chance. It is better to say you tried. Always stay on top of the books – you must have a back up.”
Coach McKenzie on Kaydian:
“Kaydian's leadership and commitment to working toward excellence on and off the track is a coach's dream come true,” McKenzie said. “I'm not surprised at the success she's achieved this year based on her tremendous work ethic. She's a pleasure to Coach and her future is bright... on and off the track.”