Canadian sprinter Donovan Bailey once said, “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” What is simple advice for some has become the essence of track and field team member Monica Sapp’s life, evident from the countless hours spent perfecting her talent, to the determination she displays off the track in her studies.
The Florida native began her track and field career at 10, much to the delight of her father. He ran track while he was in the U.S. Air Force and not only supported his daughter but also coached her. Sapp said his rough coaching sessions pushed her to do her best.
“He shaped me and molded the talent God has blessed me with,” Sapp said. “I always loved running; it’s been my passion. My father just encouraged me and told me I could be a star.”
Sapp began to excel in track and field during high school as she honed her skills in preparation for every race, ultimately earning a scholarship to NSU.
Sapp is a junior elementary education major. Instead of abandoning track and field in the pursuit of teaching, she has found a way to do both.
“Since I was little, I always wanted to be in the teaching field,” said Sapp. “I would like to teach, and then wherever I teach, I would like to be a track coach.”
This dream of hers is becoming a reality, as she was a recipient of the distinguished Minority Teacher Education Scholarship from the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers this semester. The two-fold scholarship award will allow her to receive funds for her studies during her final two years at NSU, in addition to an increased chance of being hired as a teacher in Dade or Broward County after graduation.
“My professor told me about the scholarship for minorities, and I signed up and received it. You get the money for school and then they put your name out to all the Dade and Broward schools and then, after you graduate, hopefully you get a job. I would like to teach first grade once I get out there,” said Sapp.
In the meantime, she continues to improve her skills on the field and tackles her challenges head on.
I sat down with Sapp and asked a few questions.
How would you describe yourself as a runner?
“I’m very determined. I want to do my best and make sure that I hit the goals that I want to reach. I make goals for myself every year. This year I am running 400 hurdles for the first time and I hope I can reach the goals that my coach and I have in place.”
Who is your favorite runner?
“I have a few, but I really like Sanya Richards-Ross and Allyson Felix. I met Sanya Richards-Ross here during my freshman year and it was a great experience.”
Do you have any special rituals before meets?
“Well, my mom and I always pray together. I call her on the phone. We’ve been doing that since I was 10 when I started running. We always do that. It motivates me. She prays and then she gives me a Bible verse and I’m ready to go.”
What has been your most memorable moment?
“When I got my jersey hung at my high school. They have a picture of me there too because I was the only person who made it to state over the last five years.”
What’s your favorite movie?
“’Love and Basketball.’”
In a movie based on your life, who would you want to play you?
“I’d like to play myself because I can’t think of anyone else.”
What are you most grateful for?
“I am most grateful for my parents. They have sacrificed everything for me and my four siblings. They are my backbone.”
What is the hardest thing you have ever done in your career?
“I think I’m doing it now and that would be becoming a hurdler. It’s very tough for me but I know that I can do it with the strength God gives me.”
What would be your advice to any athlete?
“It’s not just talent. You have to work hard for it. You can’t just think ‘I’m going to get it’ by just having talent. You have to put in the hard work and be dedicated to the sport.”
