The University of Mississippi Athletics
10 Burning Questions With Kenyata Coleman
5/18/2005 | Track and Field
May 18, 2005
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss freshman Kenyata Coleman has blazed onto the track and field scene in just her first season of competition. Coleman will travel to Bloomington, Ind., next week for the 2005 NCAA Midest Regional Meet hosted by the University of Indiana in hopes of earning a birth to the 2005 NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Coleman will compete in the 400 meters, 4x100-meter relay and 4x400-meter relay. The Brookhaven, Miss., native who took home a fifth-place finish at the 2005 SEC Outdoor Championships in the 400 meters last week took some time out to answer these 10 Burning Questions.
1. What made you choose Ole Miss?
I enjoyed the campus when I came on my visit. It was small and pretty. The fact I would have the opportunity to compete immediately was another factor. I also considered Texas Tech and LSU, but Ole Miss was the place for me.
2. What race has been in your mind your best ever? Why?
I would say the Mississippi Invitational 400 meters. I set a new personal record by a second a half better than my best time. I also finished second only to the NCAA Indoor 400 meters champion Tiandra Ponteen of Florida.
3. When you get in the starting blocks, what is going through your mind?
Nothing but laughter. I am airhead when I am in the blocks. If anything is going through my head it would be my last prayer. I say the same prayer every time and after that it is all air.
4. What other sports did you play in high school?
Softball and soccer. I loved softball.
5. Who is your favorite athlete at Ole Miss (outside of track)?
My favorite sport is football, but there are so many players on that team I cannot pick just one, so I will say Kendrick Fox of men's basketball. He was one of the first upperclass athletes I met here and he was very nice.
6. Who has been the biggest influence in your track career?
I would say my mom and my step-dad. After my step-dad passed away, it was just something that I had to do. I have dedicated every meet to him since then.
7. What things do you like to do in your spare time?
Talk on the phone. I like to play other sports and watch football games. I also like to dance and hang out with my track teammates.
8. Do you want to pursue a professional track career? And what other career plans do you have?
I want to if I am in the elite status of track athletes. I want to coach track and field on the collegiate level and I also would like to pursue a job in accounting.
9. What are three words that best describe you?
Foolish, Friendly, Outgoing
10. Who is going to win America's Next Top Model?
Naima