Ericka started her post-collegiate track career in January 2012. I remember our conversation vividly. Ericka said she knows she should have done better at ECU with proper coaching influence, but, blames no one. She accepted the responsibility that it was on her to make it. For four years at ECU, Ericka came into the season with high expectations for herself, only to finish in self-humiliation. However, we subscribe to the “NEVER QUIT” mentality. And we pressed on…..

Ericka said she wanted to make a name for herself in track, and take her experiences (good/bad), combined with her education from ECU to help others succeed. And two weeks ago, it came to pass.

Ericka is the new middle school distance assistant track coach at her former middle/high school Durham School of the Arts. Under the guidance and persistence of Head Coach Cheryl Bowden is where Ericka’s track story began. She is paying it forward.

On March 10, DSA Middle School Track Team had their first track meet against Githens, Lowes Grove, and Lucas. As a team, the girls won🥇and the boys were 2nd🥈Ericka’s distance kids dominated the 1600m and 800m. Plus, 2 of her distance boys ran PRs in the 1600m.

Ericka exclaims, “this was fun and I’m looking forward to the next track meet with these kids.”