Michelle Atherley

Playing sports has always been a very large part of my life, in a lot of ways making me who I am. My success in the sport of track and field can be credited to the experience of participating in several different sports throughout my adolescence. Throughout the trials and tribulations of my childhood, sports has always been there, a space of freedom, expression, and family. In 2016 the existence of this very crucial part of my identity hung in the balance as I sat in the team doctor’s office soaking in the results of my injury.

In 2015 I was blessed to receive a last-minute full track and field scholarship to Auburn University coming out of high school. After an uncertain recruiting process, I found myself competing at the highest level in one of the most well-known colleges in the country. As a freshman in a new environment I began facing several personal challenges as I adjusted to living in a new state by myself. This is when I once again turned to my sport to be my safe haven. I was still in my learning curve in the track and field world having only 3 years of experience and so I was open and eager to learn and compete. Seeking to pursue the combined events, I came to the conclusion that transferring to the University of Miami would be the best move for me. This was an incredibly difficult decision as I had made a family amongst my teammates. I was challenged to focus on my future and ultimately make a decision that would alter my experience as a student-athlete.

I was able to build a new family as the University of Miami became my home away from home. I was a novice in the combined events, learning as I went along. After a successful 2016 indoor campaign as a Hurricane, I was ready to attack the outdoor season in my first heptathlon. 

I was on the second of seven events- the high jump- when I realized my ability to jump was no longer there. Every attempt I found myself losing strength and in more pain. That's when my coach made the decision to shut me down mid competition. I was devastated. I was at one of the biggest track and field meets in the country and I didn’t understand why my body was not doing what I needed it to do. 

A few weeks later I sat in our team doctor's office listening to him say that I may not be able to compete at this level any longer. At this moment I made up my mind that that was not an option. I proceed to ask what the next steps were to get me back on the track. I knew my strength as an athlete and as a young woman, so I was not taking no as an option. Sports has pushed me to believe in myself at all times and when the going gets tough to have a support system that reminds me just how strong I am. 

The skills and mentality that sports has instilled in me as a woman is what allowed me to overcome this potentially career ending injury and go on to become the 2019 Division 1 NCAA Indoor Pentathlon Champion. I take this passion, drive, and dedication into every aspect of my life. Whether it is my studies, professional life, or self-care, I am able to approach it with an ambition that allows me to be a strong female.