Athlete Spotlight: Karissa Jenkins

Robert E. Lee’s Karissa Jenkins could have a million excuses as to why her season could be going bad, but instead she has a million answers to why her season is going exceptionally well. Her self-discipline and perseverance is allowing her to excel as a track athlete. Jenkins has showed nothing but dominance this indoor season. At the Southern Valley District meet, Jenkins set three meet records and one school record, with victories in the 55-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles, the triple jump and long jump. She has posted some impressive times and marks this season, including a 7.43 in the dash, 8.43 in the hurdles, 18-1 in the long jump and 38-2 in the triple.

Karissa attributes much of her success to the coaching from her uncle, Rodger Jenkins. Coach Jenkins is currently on a business trip in Lagos, Nigeria and isn’t expected to return to the states until April. Jenkins uses Skype to communicate with her uncle about training procedures. “He always calls me the night before meets...