Akron Athletics

Transcript

In recent decades, Akron Zips athletic teams, cheered on by their devoted fans, the AK Rowdies, and Zippy, one of the country’s few female college mascots, have boasted Olympic athletes and brought home dozens of conference championships, individual national championships, and a men’s soccer team national championship. Running it over to Janay, a track athlete who recently helped her team win two conference championships.

– Thanks Alex. Hi guys. I’m from Akron, Ohio, born and raised. I graduated from high school in 2020 and decided to attend Akron that fall. Prior to attending Akron, I already had a personal connection to the university through my own interactions in family. I’ve always found a strong connection to helping others and working in a direct way. I knew that Akron and the connections I have here could help me to do this. I’m studying exercise science with the goal of physical therapy school. In addition to academics, I came to Akron for athletics to run track, which my major goes hand in hand with. It focuses on the body and its functions, which strengthens my understanding and ultimately aids my athletic progression. As an athlete it can be challenging, but also rewarding, especially with the family-like atmosphere. We push each other to be the best so when meets and competition come, we can perform our best. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a championship winning team. Both our males and females tend to dominate in our given events. Most recently, our women’s team was able to win the indoor and outdoor championship, both of which I was able to contribute to with the 400 in four by four. The experience of trying to win a team championship and score points is one that brings us all closer as a team and shows how much we really want it. Akron has consistently been winning championships, notably in sports like soccer, and most recently men’s basketball and women’s swimming and diving. Through my experience in this major, I’ve learned what this field and Akron has to offer and the numerous opportunities available to me, both academically and athletically. That’s the end of my run, Alex, what’s next?

– Congratulations on your team’s recent championship, Janay, and a huge congratulations to all of Akron’s athletic teams that made their city and university so proud. It’s no doubt that Akron raises champions, and like we heard from Janay, it takes a community to raise each other up.