Deciding to try a new sport is never easy, especially when that means leaving behind another sport you’ve loved and played since you were in elementary school. This was the choice that Iphe Carr made her sophomore year. She wanted to try track, and came in full swing, making the Varsity Team, competing weekly, and showing off what she can bring to the table.
Carr explains her reasoning for trying out Track came down to her love for racing. She says growing up she loved racing her friends and beating them. But also, that so many people kept telling her to try it out, so finally she did, and she seems very satisfied with her choice. Carr talks about her experience, stating, ”Everyone around me has supported my transition completely, with track, I individually get to show what I can do.” Carr began Track just this past January, and is already close to qualifying in State for long jump, which she says, “would be a huge accomplishment” for her. She’s spoken highly of her excitement for the relationships she’s already made with the team, and that although everyone works in separate groups for their events, they all come together as one big team, and have special bonds with one another.
Sprint Coach Tammy Rice explains track came natural to Carr. She came to the team with the talent she needed to be a Varsity sprinter, she just needed to get into “track shape”. Coach Rice emphasizes how, “Iphe plays a key role in the sprint relays and also in long jump.” While Coach Rice says she can’t say what the right choice was for Carr when it comes to picking her sports, she says that it is her understanding that Carr is a Varsity athlete in every sport she plays. Specifically, Coach Rice states, “I will say that Iphe choosing to be a part of the track team this year will help lead the team to do some good things, not just on the track, but also in the field. She jumped 17.3ft last weekend at our home meet, and placed first. She will continue to improve, and hopefully, continue to be a key athlete on the team.”
According to Carr, she doesn’t think she will go back to playing soccer again, and that Track and Field now has her heart and dedication. Rock Island Track and Field looks forward to seeing what she can do in the future. The Team is proud to have her and grateful she gave this sport a chance. Sometimes, you find the biggest blessings come in surprises.
