Competing with Integrity, Discipline, Respect, and Responsibility
RUNNERS
MACY BRINSON JR • DISTANCE • 5’1” Emerald Isle, N.C./Croatan
ALLIE BUCKNAM JR • MIDDLE DISTANCE • 5’8” Mount Pleasant, S.C./Wando
RACHEL HILL FR • MIDDLE DISTANCE • 5’7” Cary, N.C./Panther Creek
TRINITY PACKER FR • THROW/SPRINT • 5’9”
DEMONICA STANLEY JR • THROW/JUMP • 5’4” Edenton, N.C./John A Holmes
Parkton, N.C./Village Christian
ESSENCE THOMAS SO • SPRINT/JUMP • 5’4” High Point, N.C./High Point Central
Head Coach: Leslie Payne Assistant Coaches: Gene Meade and Jenna Pepe
MEGAN EVANS JR • DISTANCE • 5’1” Princeton, N.C./Princeton
CAROLINE DIORIO SO • DISTANCE • 5’3” Cary, N.C./Wake Christian
KAREN PEREZ FR • DISTANCE • 5’2” Ocracoke, N.C./Ocracoke
EMMA TRAVIS FR • DISTANCE • 5’4” Tallahassee, Fla./John Paul II Catholic
ANA LUCIA RODRIGUEZ-SALAZAR JR • MIDDLE DISTANCE • 5’7” Cary, N.C./Apex
TAYLOR WILSON SO • THROW • 5’3” Windsor, N.C./Lawrence Academy
HONORS AND AWARDS 12X USA South All-Academic honors
ALEX HAFLIGER SR • THROW/SPRINT • 6’0” Monroe, N.C./Sun Valley
KIMBERLY SCHUH FR • THROW/SPRINT • 5’11” Apex, N.C./Apex
MEREDITH WYATT JR • MIDDLE DISTANCE • 5’9” Butner, N.C./Granville Central
ALL TIME PERFORMANCE LIST Name
Event
Date Mark
Essence Thomas
60m / JDL Kickoff
12/2/17
8.15
Demonica Stanley
60m / Vince Brown
2/14/17
8:35
Essence Thomas
100m / AI Championship
4/20/17
12.66
Demonica Stanley
100m / VerteKlasse
4/1/16
12.98
Essence Thomas
200m / AI Championship
4/20/17
26.31
Jasira Swinton
200m / Phoenix Invite
4/23/16
27.61
Jessica Wallace
200m / JDL Kickoff
12/2/17
28.04
Essence Thomas
400m / Trojan Challenge
3/17/17
1:00.22
Jessica Wallace
400m / JDL Kickoff
12/2/17
1:01.88
Jasira Swinton
400m / Phoenix Invite
4/23/16
1:02.19
Jessica Wallace
800m / Phoenix Invite
4/23/16
2:17.47
Kiara Glover
800m / Captain’s Classic
4/16/16
2:31.97
Jasmine Sykes
800m / VerteKlasse
4/1/16
2:32.27
Macy Brinson
1500m / Camel Invite
4/8/17
5:24.03
Megan Evans
1500m / Winthrop Invite
3/25/17
5:45.51
Macy Brinson
1600m / JDL Kickoff
12/2/17
5:51.47
Megan Evans
1600m / JDL Kickoff
12/2/17
6:09.75
Abigail Thiele
3000m / Captain’s Classic
4/16/16
12:20.95
Briana Landis
3000m / Captain’s Classic
4/16/16
12:25.20
Emma Travis
3000m / JDL Kickoff
12/2/17
13:44.53
Briana Landis
5000m / Ice Breaker Duals
3/5/16
19:22.32
Abigail Thiele
5000m / Ice Breaker Duals
3/5/16
20:46.53
Macy Brinson
5000m / Doc Jopson
4/1/17
21:23.54
Megan Evans
10,000m / AI Championship
4/20/17
45:44.81
Demonica Stanley
Long Jump / PowerSox Invite
3/19/16
4.94m
Essence Thomas
Long Jump / JDL Kickoff
12/2/17
4.38m
Amy Rhoney
Shot Put / Winthrop Invite
3/25/17
9.75m
Caitlyn Gerald
Shot Put / Phoenix Invite
4/23/16
9.49m
Demonica Stanley
Shot Put / AI Championship
4/20/17
9.40m
Amy Rhoney
Discus / Camel Invite
4/8/17
27.00m
Demonica Stanley
Discus / AI Championship
4/20/17
20.01m
Paige Plaskonos
Pole Vault / Aggie Invite
4/9/16
3.06m
Kendall Motsinger
Pole Vault / Aggie Invite
4/9/16
2.46m
Demonica Stanley
Javelin / Doc Jopson
4/1/17
29.10m
Amy Rhoney
Javelin / Camel Invite
4/8/17
23.25m
Taylor Wilson
Javelin / AI Championship
4/20/17
16.52m
COACHING STAFF LESLIE PAYNE
Head Cross Country/ Track and Field Coach University of North Carolina | B.S. in Physical Education North Carolina State University | M.S. in Recreation Administration
Leslie Payne joined the Meredith athletics staff in August 2015 as the new head cross country/track & field coach. Payne launched the College’s varsity track & field program in spring 2016. In year two rookie Essence Thomas reached the top-30 regional list in three sprint events with her best in the 100m dash. To close out the 2017 season, Meredith joined five other programs for the inaugural Atlantic Independent Championship in Durham. The cross country and track & field teams combined for 33 USA South AllAcademic honors in two years.
THE LESLIE PAYNE FILE RUNNING EXPERIENCE: • Dalhousie University, 1988 • University of North Carolina, 1985-87 COACHING EXPERIENCE: • Meredith College, Head Coach, 2015-present • Ravenscroft School, Head Coach, 2005-15 CERTIFICATIONS • Level 2 USA Track and Field Coaches Association Certification
Payne offers more than 20 years of coaching experience to the athletics team, most recently with a 10-year stint at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh. She directed the cross country team and managed primarily the distance runners in track, while teaching physical education classes.
GENE MEADE
Assistant Cross Country/ Track and Field Coach
Gene Meade joined the Meredith athletics staff in August 2015 as an assistant cross country/track & field coach. An avid runner and longtime coach, Meade trains distance runners of all levels from 5,000 meters to ultramarathon. He owns 813 Coaching, which provides endurance training for runners, triathletes, and obstacle course athletes, and oversees training for beginners to seasoned competitors. In addition to training runners, Meade serves as a fitness instructor for a local gym and teaches a variety of group exercise classes. He works alongside a physical therapist group to assist with analysis and consulting on rehabilitation and injury prevention protocols for runners.
THE GENE MEADE FILE COACHING EXPERIENCE: • Meredith College, Assistant Coach, 2015-present • 813 Coaching, Owner, 2010-present • Clubworx Fuquay-Varina, Fitness Instructor, 2009-present CERTIFICATIONS: • USA Track and Field Cross Country Specialist Certification • Level 1 USA Track and Field Coaches Association Certification • Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach
JENNA PEPE
Assistant Track and Field/Head Strength & Conditioning Coach North Carolina State University | B.S. in Sport Management North Carolina State University | Coaching Education Minor
Jenna Pepe joined the Meredith College athletics department in fall 2016 as the assistant track & field coach/head strength & conditioning coach. In this new full-time role, Pepe will serve as the primary coach for the team’s sprinters and jumpers and will also manage the strength training program for all eight of Meredith’s varsity sports.
THE JENNA PEPE FILE CERTIFICATIONS: • American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer • USA Track and Field Level 1 • Studying to obtain CSCS this spring
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
DEMONICA STANLEY, ’19 Track & Field
JR. • THROW/JUMP • 5’4” Edenton, N.C./John A Holmes
As the first in her family to attend college, Demonica Stanley, ’19,
In addition to learning how
knows the value of an education. And she learned at a young
to juggle classes, practice,
age the importance of setting goals, chasing your dreams, and
work, track and field meets,
how not to let setbacks keep you from accomplishing them.
and strength and conditioning
“I have learned that the sky’s the limit and if you really want
sessions, Demonica has found
something you have to chase after it.” A member of the Meredith College Track and Field Team, Demonica had high hopes for her four-year collegiate career. Be an award-winning sprinter. Win a conference championship. Set Meredith records. But a serious injury during her freshman year turned those hopes into doubts. Or so she thought. Not being able to run track anymore, her Meredith coaches
time to get involved on campus. She has participated in Stunt and Cornhuskin’. As an exercise and sports science major, she is a member of the Sports Science Association and works in the Human Performance Lab where she conducts undergraduate research.
“I thought track was over for me,” said Demonica. “I continued to be a part of the team, but I couldn’t compete anymore. So, my coaches decided to turn my negative situation into a positive one.”
“The Meredith experience has enriched my educational performance, helped me meet new people, and created long lasting friendships,” said Demonica. “Being involved on campus has helped me to step out of my comfort zone, and overcome the shyness that I had when I arrived at Meredith my freshman year.” As part of a track and field program that launched in spring 2016, Demonica has already made an impact. Her favorite memory is competing in the Atlantic Independent
turned her into a field event participant. Demonica learned how
Championship in 2017.
to throw the shotput, the javelin, and the discus. Now, she
Even though her track and field career took a slight shift in a
holds the school record in the javelin throw and is excelling in
different direction, Demonica remains focused on accomplishing
events that she never pictured herself doing.
her original goals. And she has learned just how strong a
“Even though for that moment in time, it may have seemed like
woman she is.
the end of the world, it wasn’t,” said Demonica. “I may not be
“I continue to fight through any struggle that comes my way
able to sprint competitively anymore, but I have learned that
in life,” said Demonica. “I prove to myself every day what I am
when life seems to be going in all the wrong directions, you
capable of even when I have my doubts. You have to learn to
have to stay strong and continue to fight through it.”
be tough and make the best of every situation.”
ABOUT MEREDITH COLLEGE What Makes Us Strong Chartered in 1891, Meredith College is one of the largest independent private women’s colleges in the U.S. Meredith also offers coeducational graduate programs in business, education, nutrition, and psychology, as well as post-baccalaureate certificate programs in pre-health and business, a dietetic internship program, and a paralegal program.
Meredith College Quick Facts Location .............................Raleigh, N.C. Founded ................................................... 1891 Enrollment ............................................... 1,981 Nickname............................... Avenging Angels Colors...................... Maroon, Black, and White Affiliation................................NCAA Division III Conference .....USA South Athletic Conference President.............................................. Jo Allen Athletic Director..........................Jackie Myers
Athletic Facilities MEREDITH ATHLETIC FIELD AND TRACK COMPLEX Home to Meredith’s track and field team, the field and track complex includes a lighted competition level track, a FieldTurf artificial playing surface, and a storage facility. Future phases of the project will include a grandstand, hospitality areas, support facilities, restrooms, brick arcade, and locker rooms.
LOWERY FITNESS CENTER Meredith’s athletic teams benefit from a new, 6,800 square feet, stateof-the-art fitness center that allows for a high quality strength and conditioning program. The Lowery Fitness Center holds 39 pieces of equipment, including 11 treadmills, eight bikes, eight elliptical cross trainers, four ascent trainers, two rowers, and six power lifting racks. Student-athletes also have access to free weights, kettlebells, resistance machines, physio balls, bands, and accessory equipment.
Meredith College Athletics Program THE DIVISION III EXPERIENCE Meredith athletics teams participate in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Division III athletics offers student-athletes the opportunity to become well-rounded individuals who successfully integrate athletics and academics while experiencing all aspects of college life. Student-athletes who compete at this level can receive academic and need-based financial assistance. The athletic department is staffed and funded like any other department of the College.
ACADEMICS Meredith College’s commitment to academics is exemplified by its athletics teams. Each year, the USA South Athletic Conference recognizes its student-athletes’ hard work in the classroom by naming an Academic AllConference team. In 2017, 76 Meredith students were named to the team. The Meredith athletics program further recognizes student-athletes who earn a 3.5 cumulative GPA as members of the Athletics Director’s Club and those who earn a perfect 4.0 GPA with the Vice-President’s Scholar-Athlete Award.
MEDICAL SERVICES The athletic training staff provides excellent care for student-athletes. The athletic training support staff consists of Head Athletic Trainer Rebecca Edwards and Assistant Athletic Trainer Katie Fulk. Dr. Doug Martini of Cary Orthopedic serves as the program’s team physician. In addition, Meredith College serves as a clinical site for the Western Carolina University Undergraduate Athletic Training Program. Services and equipment provided include a whirlpool, hydrocollator, ultrasound, injury ice, and electrical stimulation.
COMMUNITY SERVICE Members from each team are elected to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee that organizes support for each sport and also coordinates community service. Past volunteer work includes Special Olympics of Wake County, Habitat for Humanity, Service Raleigh, and the USA South Athletic Conference’s Cans Across the Conference and Pennies for a Purpose.
MEMBER SCHOOLS Agnes Scott College
Maryville College
Averett University
Meredith College
Berea College
Methodist University
Brevard College
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Covenant College
Pfeiffer University
Ferrum College
Piedmont College
Greensboro College
Salem College
Huntingdon College
Wesleyan College
LaGrange College
William Peace University
Kentucky Tennessee
Alabama
Mary Baldwin University
STRONG LOCATION Student-athletes benefit from Meredith’s location near downtown Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park.
#1 Best Big City in the Southeast – Money Magazine #2 Easiest City to Find a Job – Forbes Magazine #3 Best City for Young Professionals – Forbes Magazine #4 City in the U.S. for Jobs – Glassdoor.com #7 Best Place to Live – U.S. News and World Report #10 Best Job Market for 2017 College Graduates – ZipRecruiter #22 Most Caring City in America – WalletHub
Virginia North Carolina
Georgia
2017-18 SCHEDULE Dec. 2
vs. JDL Kickoff Classic
Winston-Salem, N.C.
Feb. 4
vs. Vince Brown Invitational
Newport News, Va.
Feb. 16
vs. UCS Invitational
Winston Salem, N.C.
Feb. 17
vs. UCS Invitational
Winston Salem, N.C.
Mar. 3
vs. Icebreaker Duals
Mount Berry, Ga.
Mar. 9
vs. Coastal Carolina Invite
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Mar. 10
vs. Coastal Carolina Invite
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Mar. 24
vs. Trojan Challenge
Mount Olive, N.C.
Apr. 6
vs. Johnson C. Smith Invite
Charlotte, N.C.
Apr. 7
vs. Johnson C. Smith Invite
Charlotte, N.C.
Apr. 20
vs. Captain’s Classic &
Newport News, Va.
Combined Events
Apr. 21
vs. Captain’s Classic &
Combined Events
Apr. 28
Eagle Invitational
Newport News, Va.
Fredericksburg, Va.
Visit goavengingangels.com for up-to-date information. Schedule is subject to change.
3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607-5298 goavengingangels.com
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