Smith-Band ready to take next step in Florida
Published:Sunday | May 28, 2023 | 12:56 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
RELISHING THE opportunity to take his abilities to the next level, ISSA-GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships Class One 200-metres champion Malique Smith-Band will take his talents to Gainsville, Florida, as he will attend the University of Florida this fall.
The announcement was made on Thursday on Florida’s Track and Field social media pages officially closing the book on his time at Jamaica College.
In assessing his options, Smith-Band said that he felt that the training environment at Florida suits him the best for his immediate future.
“I chose Florida because I think their training style fits what I’m looking for to be at the next level in winning major championships,” Smith-Band told The Gleaner, “And also I love the surroundings in terms of the athlete’s work ethic that I’ll be around.”
Smith-Band will be under the direction of head coach Mike Holloway who led Florida to the National Outdoor Championships last year and will join a roster that already has reigning national 400-m champion Jevaughn Powell.
Reflecting on his time at Jamaica College, Smith-Band was appreciative of his development under coach Neil Harrison, as well as the resurgence that he experienced after an injury-plagued 2022.
PART OF THE FAMILY
“I love Jamaica College and representing this institution is an honour. I’m proud to be a part of the family and this was just about me being healthy to perform at my best, which my coach supported and it paid off,” Smith-Band said.
Smith-Band won the Class One 200-m title in March and added the Carifta Games crown, as well as success at the Penn Relays. In particular, he said that his increased technical improvements have helped him to have a memorable 2023 season.
“I’ve grown and gained more knowledge in the sport which allowed me to calculate and make better strategies in terms of competing,” Smith-Band said.
As he now looks to the future, Smith-Band is ready to take that growth to Florida, hoping to bring more success to an already strong programme and also continue his personal growth.
“I’m just looking forward to excelling academically and also on the track,” said Smith-Band who said he would like to gain a degree and to go professional after college.
“I want to help Florida win titles and grow my name as a brand, which will help me to excel after university,” Smith-Band added.