A former Malverne athlete, Nicea Jones, is now running the 400-meter for Syracuse University’s Women’s Track & Field team. Jones, 18, is a freshman on the D1 athletic team.
Q: When did you start running? How did you become interested in the sport?
A: I ran for fun in eighth grade after my friend introduced me to the sport. Then the high school coach saw me, and she wanted me to run for the high school team.
When I started running in eighth grade, it was fun because there was really no competition. I didn’t realize how good I was. But it got serious in high school.
Q: Tell me about your high school track career?
A: In high school, when I started running freshman year I was actually really good but I got nervous. I didn’t expect to be that good as a freshman and I got in my head a lot. I had really bad anxiety because I put so much pressure on myself and I didn’t want to do bad.
Q: Is there anything you did to overcome those feelings of anxiety?
A: I took a break from track before coming back to the sport and realizing I just want to try and have fun with it. I talk to god a lot and I try to trust his plan.
Q: Are there any specific achievements your most proud of from your time at Malverne?
A: I am a two time New York State Federation Champion in the 400-meter. These accomplishments helped me realize how I actually was as a runner, because I didn’t see my potential.
I was kind of just running. I wasn’t really into track that much, I was just running. But this made me realize, ‘oh, I’m actually fast,’ which made me want to do better.
Q: Did you see yourself competing at the college level?
A: I did not see myself competing in college. I thought my anxiety was too bad and I didn’t want to run in college, but when I became a state champion I realized I should run in college.
Then Syracuse reached out to me through my coach for a visit, and they eventually offered me a full ride to the university. I didn’t know Syracuse was option until I was given the opportunity.
Q: How are you enjoying Syracuse so far?
A: I love Syracuse so much. I feel so close to the girls on my team. They’re very loving and welcoming, so I have a big support system here. I love having an apartment and room, and how I’m living.
Q: How does competing at the college level differ from high school?
A: In high school I didn’t really have much competition on Long Island. So when I got to college and started running, I’m more in my head because now I know I have to run faster. I’m not very used to losing, but there’s a lot more competition in college, so now I have to get to that level.
Q: You recently won first place in the 400-meter at the Nittany Lion Challenge at Penn State, your first collegiate event. How did that feel?
A: It made me realize I actually am supposed to be here. At first, I didn’t think it was going to go well, but now I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be. It felt really good.
Q: What advice do you have for other students planning to play a sport in college?
A: Trust your training. It’s more mental than physical, because physically you can do it but you have to get through the mental battle to show up in your sport.
I still struggle with anxiety but I just give to god, talk with him, trust his plan and I also journal.
