Q&A with Long Jumper Jewel Smith
5/26/2017 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
It's been a bit of a hectic week for sophomore Jewel Smith, who was originally the first athlete out of the field of 48 in the long jump at this week's NCAA East Regional. But, as luck would have it, a late scratch opened up a bid for the Chesapeake, Va. native and she made the most off her opportunity, jumping 22 spots from her initial seed. Umterps.com caught up with the high-flying long jumper for a Q&A session after her first NCAA Regional meet experience.
Q: So you originally just missed making the East qualifier list, but were added late after a scratch. Where were you when you got the call and what were you thinking when you realized you were in?
A: "It was around 8 am Sunday morning and I was just waking up when coach [Valmon] texted me and said I've been added to the meet. I had already left school and was home in Virginia for the summer. When I read the message I couldn't even think straight. I couldn't believe this was happening. So many people believed in me and had the faith I would go but I ended up missing it by one spot and now I was actually going. I remember all outdoor season I kept telling myself I'm going to make it to Regionals and it happened. Everything was just happening so fast. I had to call my mom and tell her that I made it so we could find a way to get me back to school for practice the next day. I live 4 hours away from campus so I either had to take the bus or the train back to Maryland. I decided it was best for me to leave soon as possible so I could make it to practice on time for the next day so I bought a bus ticket at 12 pm that same day I got the call."
Q: What was your mindset heading into Thursday's long jump? Just a "nothing to lose" mentality?
A: "Going into competition I knew that I was given a second chance to show people that I belong here so I had no time for any negativity. I didn't practice for a week. Monday was the only day I practiced. After that I knew that everything was just mind over matter. [The NCAA East Regional] is a big meet so I knew my job was just to rise to the occasion. I came in as the No. 48 seed and finished 26th. It was my mentality and God that really helped me place higher than what I came in at. I tried my best just to stay calm and just have fun. It was my first time being here so I made sure I took it all in and enjoyed the experience so I could be ready for next year."
Q: What's it like to have strong core of jumpers on the squad? Do you push each other to get better?
A: "It's really nice to have such a big squad of jumpers. We have so much potential and I'm excited for the future. We always push each other in everything we do whether it's on or off the track. Jumping with them really helps me keep the pressure off at meets. They remind me it's about having fun but still getting the job done."
Q: How do you feel you've developed in the long jump these past few years?
A: "Comparing myself this year to last year is such a big difference. My freshman year wasn't the best but coach Valmon knew I had it in me. This year all my coaches made sure I got everything I needed such as training, nutrition, and mindset. I know there is still much more to work on."
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