Leaping into the record books

Leaping+into+the+record+books

Tom Rizza

Khyia Slone walks on air as she prepares for the state championship on May 18-19, 2012

Keith Montes, Managing editor

Double State qualifying and Big VIII conference Co-MVP, Khyia Slone, transcends gravitational limits with style and grace as she progresses to the state track and field competition. Slone is currently ranked third in the state in the triple jump and sixth in the state in long jump.

Slone was voted as a CO-MVP at the most recent Big VIII conference, along with an athlete from Sacramento City College, for her stellar overall performance.

DVC Head Track Coach Shelly Pierson says about Slone, “She is an amazingly talented athlete…She could be an Olympic Athlete if she puts her mind to it.”

Pierson explains that Slone is being “recruited from colleges of all levels…Division 1, 2 and 3 along with NAIA [National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes].”  Pierson suggested Slone would continue at DVC for one more year before moving on to a four-year college team so she may be better prepared.

When asked about what drives her, Slone reveals it is her family which gives her the motivation. Slone says, “My mother and sisters specifically. Both of my sisters had babies at a young age and can’t really do sports anymore.”

Another interesting fact about Slone is she is always in style while running due to the wildly designed socks she chooses to wear and the colorful manicure she sports during practices and competitions, Coach Pierson notes.

As Slone was making her practice jumps during our interview, she broke her own personal long jump record by landing a 19 foot long jump. Slone’s previous personal best was 18 feet six inches.

DVC sprints and jumps coach Charlotte Sneed, who works directly with Slone was ecstatic with the new personal record and has very high hopes for Slone.

“She looks beautiful in the pit,” said a glowing Charlotte Sneed as she smoothed out the sand for another jump. Sneed said Slone wasn’t supposed to practice jumps that day, but she looks so good jumping her coach wanted to ensure that we saw her in her best form and simple drills don’t do her justice.

Slone will be competing for DVC at the CCAAA State Track and Field Competition May 18 – 19 at Cerritos College in Norwalk California.

Khyia Slone leaves an impression of optimism, dedication and intent focus. DVC track and field has an extraordinary competitor heading to state finals in Slone. She is a truly driven and vibrant athlete and an inspiration for all.