10 Questions With Women's Track & Field Senior Kayla Speed
12/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
Dec. 1, 2008
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Kayla Speed, a senior captain on the USC Upstate Track and Field team, looks to help lead her team starting this Friday in their first meet of the season at the Appalachian Invite in Boone, N.C. The Spartans will look to initially test their squads on Friday and later measure their improvement when they return to action on January 17th, when they will return to Boone for the Appalachian Limited.
Ironically, Kayla Speed does not compete in running for the Spartans. Last season, Speed competed in the shot put and weight throw at the Atlantic Sun Indoor Conference Championships, earning a ninth-place finish in the weight throw. She also secured a third-place spot in the weight throw at the Gamecock Invitational, posting her top throw of the season with a toss of 39-09.00.
In the 2008 outdoor season, Speed boasted her versatility while competing in the discus, hammer, javelin and shot put. She posted her top throw of the season in the hammer throw.
Recently, Speed sat down with Sarah Hurd of upstatespartans.com and discussed her expectations for the upcoming season.
You begin your season on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Appalachian Invite. With a year of Division I experience under your belt as the team's captain, what are your expectations for this year's squad?
I expect us to show improvement across the board this year. Last year, we came in not really expecting much, since we had so many newcomers to the program and the sport itself, including myself. We were nervous about the first meet last year, but this year the team is very excited and anxious. Everyone is working hard and we've showed extreme improvement in the weight room. I'm anxious to see where we stand on Friday.
You compete in the hammer throw, discus, javelin and shot put. Which event do you enjoy most and why?
My favorite event is the indoor weight because I've achieved my personal best record in it. I really enjoy the thrill that comes behind it, and it keeps me motivated to keep working harder and getting better.
Having never competed in track and field in high school, what made you want to become involved in the sport at USC Upstate?
Although it's only my second year competing in track and field, I've really enjoyed the nature of the competition. I played basketball throughout high school, and when I got to college I wanted to try something different. Track and field has the team camaraderie factor which I value, and it brings everyone together. There is the individual part to it, but I like how it is also a team sport as well.
What's your favorite sport, other than track and field, to watch and/or compete in?
Basketball. I played basketball up until last year, starting since I can remember. I go to every possible home game that I can because I enjoy it so much.
What has been your most memorable moment at USC Upstate so far?
Receiving the Captain's Award for the first inaugural track and field team here at USC Upstate was a huge honor, especially it being my first year ever competing in the sport.
Why do you think you were named as the team's Captain?
The way Coach Stephens explained his reasoning to me was that I enjoy everyone and can get along with anyone on a personal level. On the days when people are down or not `all there,' I'm there to say, "Keep your head up, we're a new team and we'll get there one day." I really believe in team work and that we will always have each other if nothing else.
Having been a member of the inaugural track and field team at USC Upstate in 2007-08 under head coach Jimmy Stephens, how would you describe his coaching style to outsiders?
He's a great guy. He's a lot of fun but at the same time, he's there when it's time to get serious. I really respect how he truly believes in all of us. Being a new team, it's tough to have faith in a bunch of newcomers, but he's been supportive every step of the way and we see through him and his faith that we can do it.
Do you have any immediate plans for after graduation?
I'd like to go to graduate school at Clemson for school counseling and continue my psychology degree. I don't know how soon I'd like to go, but I still have some time to decide.
Who would you recognize as your ultimate role model and why?
My mother. As a single mother, she has carried my sister and me through everything. She's been there for me through the thick and thin and reminded me that anything is possible.
What are your individual goals for the season?
I would like to place in the indoor season with the weight throw and outdoor season in the hammer throw. I'm really more about the team, and just looking forward to seeing us continually improve.
