Jezena is a standout athlete in the cross country and track and field events. She is a sophomore at NJCU, where she is pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Jezena has achieved significant success since transferring to NJCU, including the NJAC (New Jersey Athletic Conference) and her university’s newcomer awards. She has also provided exceptional performances, as she is one of the top runners at NJCU. We had the opportunity to speak with Jezena today to gain a deeper understanding of her and to learn her sentiments about the conclusion of her cross-country season and the onset of the indoor track season.
Ky’shon: Good evening, Jezena! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me. I would like to congratulate you on a successful season! With each race you did, you got better and better! So many records you have broken and set both in cross country and track. I think you are very inspirational and will be a household name here for NJCU athletics. How are you feeling today?
Jezena: Better than ever! I think being able to wake up every day and continue doing something I’m so passionate about allows me to get through every day, no matter the highs and lows that come with it. Starting every morning off running gives me a clear head on how the rest of my day will go.
Ky’shon: That’s amazing to hear! I’m intrigued to learn more about your journey. What initially got you into track and cross country?
Jezena: With track and cross country not being my primary sport, it took falling out of love with another sport to find my passion. It started off freshman year when I was running for my high school to keep in shape until I decided that I wanted to take on some challenges and move forward with the sport, eventually transferring to Snyder High School where I was coached by the best of the best. One who never accepts, nonetheless. My former coach Isaiah Thomas and Arena were two who saw great potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. Losing my high school track and field coach, as well as my loved ones, really allowed me to want to compete at such a high level. As well as some of the expectations and goals that I set for myself over the years.
Ky’shon: Oh, wow, Jezena! I would’ve never seen you in another sport, considering how much of a natural you are in track. What sport did you participate in?
Jezena: I did softball!
Ky’shon: Who has been your biggest influence in your athletic journey?
Jezena: I would say my biggest inspiration is every female Olympian, but if I had to pinpoint one, it would be Athing Mu. The reason is because I see how driven of a runner she is as a runner, as well as running some of the same events she does. I see how she competes at such a high level and her passion and love for the sport. As far as inspiration, I think my family members and coaches have an impact on my journey as well. Losing a Coach who was like a father figure to me has allowed me to live my memories through him.
Ky’shon: Long live Coach Arena. Although I was on a different track team during our final high school years, I saw how much he elevated you and the rest of the Snyder track team. How do you continue to represent him?
Jezena: I know that he’s always expressed how strong of a runner I was, so to continue running was like a promise I made not only to him but to myself.
Ky’shon: Being NJCU Female Newcomer of the Year is a big deal! How did you feel when you received that recognition?
Jezena: Receiving NJCU Female Newcomer meant so much to me because I knew how hard I worked to be in the position I am today. From transferring and not being able to run for a year, as well as all the setbacks and obstacles that were thrown my way, just showed how levelheaded I stood throughout it. This recognition has only motivated me to work way harder to achieve the expectations that I have for myself. It became my motivation to get up every day and walk around with a purpose.
Ky’shon: I love that, despite your setbacks, you still manage to overcome them and come back stronger than ever. What does your weekly training schedule look like as you prepare for the NJAC Championships?
Jezena: Mileage as well as intensity workouts, proper recovery runs and hitting times and consistency as well as showing up every day despite good or bad. One thing that I learned as a runner is that not every training day will go great, but showing up and at least giving your best effort is what matters most. Going into big meets like these allows me to trust in my training.
Ky’shon: How do you balance the physical and mental aspects of preparing for a stakes meet like this?
Jezena: The way I balance the physical and mental aspects of preparing for a high-stakes meet like this is staying true to myself. I think a lot of times running has become my escape and therapy that if I feel like I’m dealing with something going on long runs allows me to get my head space right. I think that setting the bar high and trusting my training allows me to go into every race feeling confident, as well as knowing that I’m competing with all divisions and even the best of the best. The coaching staff also plays a huge factor in allowing to go into every race calm and ready to take on any challenge that’s out there for me.
Ky’shon: Looking back on this cross-country season, what do you think has been your greatest achievement or highlight?
Jezena: Looking back on this cross-country season, I think one of my biggest highlights is getting the school record in both the 5k and 6k. Being able to share memories and laughs with my teammates and coaches has allowed me to become a better runner, and just knowing the high expectations I have for myself allows me to want to compete at the best of my abilities. Every race is a new day to take on a personal record, move up places in every race, and achieve the satisfaction I set.
Ky’shon: What are some goals you’ve set for yourself in the upcoming regionals?
Jezena: Some of the goals I set for myself in this upcoming regional is knowing where I stand from the rest of the girls and giving it my all and competing at the best of my potential. My goal is to run sub 23 in the 6k, but that’s going to take patience from the start of the race and knowing what pact to run with and making moves accordingly and running my race.
Ky’shon: How has being part of NJCU’s track and cross-country team shaped your experience as an athlete and as a student?
Jezena: Being on the track and field xc team and track helped me grow as an athlete and a student because you can’t be an athlete without being a student. Making sure I study well so I can do well when it’s time to fight. I also made new friends and ties that I didn’t think I would. Creating this kind of family and getting together to help each other out when we need it and hold each other responsible on and off the track. My way of thinking has changed since I joined a team. Over time, I think I learned to be responsible and work hard. It helped me get out of my comfort zone and accept the things that make me feel bad. As someone who has always been shy and quiet, I had no idea that I would become so close with my friends and coaches.
Ky’shon: What role do your teammates and coaches play in keeping you motivated and focused?
Jezena: Both my teammates and coaches play a role in keeping me motivated and focused because we all hold each other accountable, whether it’s getting up every day, showing up to practice every day on time, or getting through workouts together. Coach Pat has played an important role in my success here at NJCU, allowing me to join after not running for a year and having faith in my potential. He reminds me much like my old coach who passed away where he holds me to high expectations because he knows the mentality of the tough runner I am as he allowed me to find those things within myself.
Ky’shon: What are your long-term goals in track and field and cross country?
Jezena: Some of the goals I have for myself are beating everyone’s personal records, making all conferences, and even competing at the national level. For the 800, my goal is to run 2:15; my goal for the mile is to break 5 min, and lastly, to get better than I was when I started and to stay healthy throughout every season.
Ky’shon: Where do you see your athletic career going beyond college? Are there professional or coaching aspirations?
Jezena: Something I would like to experience with my athletic career going beyond college is competing nationally and running for a team like Team USA or Puerto Rico. If all that doesn’t work in my favor, I would like to help coach so that I still have a connection to the sport in a way.
Ky’shon: What’s one thing you wish people understood more about the life and dedication of a student-athlete?
Jezena: I wish people understood that it’s more than just showing up; it’s all about the sweat and tears nobody sees, all life’s setbacks you must deal with, all the minor setbacks that come into play, all the sleepless nights you get. The anxiety you must face going into any competition, all the doubts and unanswered questions. ALL the long days of training. Negative comments you may get from people, mental health challenges. One thing people don’t see is that your sport is a job within itself.
Ky’shon: How do you unwind or relax outside of track and field? Any favorite hobbies or interests?
Jezena: Something I do to unwind outside of track and field is spend time with loved ones and friends. Some things I enjoy doing are trying new restaurants, being one with nature, shopping, taking maintenance days for myself, hitting the gym and working out, or even sometimes doing completely nothing and catching up with sleep, which is a way to help me relax.
Ky’shon: Jezena, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to me! I always tell you how proud I am of you and how much history you’re making here at this school. How do you think sharing your journey and experiences might inspire other student-athletes at NJCU or even beyond?
Jezena: Sharing my journey and experiences hopefully inspires other student athletes at NJCU or even beyond by using my challenges, setbacks, and successes to show everyone that the support of others goes a long way in one’s success. I hope to inspire other athletes to keep striving for greatness even when things get rough. To show athletes that there’s light at the end of even tunnel but it’s about how you create your story. Hopefully, my story creates a sense of community where we all come together and uplift each other in all aspects of life and in our career choices.
