Sorenya Miller - A beacon of excellence.
May 8th was a date to be memorable for Vincentian sprinter Sorenya Miller. It was the date originally set for her graduation from Benedict College. She had plans of walking across the stage with her head held high, as she would have been doing so knowing she was graduating Summa Cum Laude, with a degree in Psychology, and a minor in Sport Management.
The Coronavirus however, had other plans.
As the onset of Covid-19 forced the literal shut down of the United States, the South Carolina school was forced to push back its Commencement date. A new date has yet to be decided, but one thing is certain; Miller had proven to be a force to reckoned with, in the classroom, and on the track.
Originally hailing from No. 8, Penniston, in the Vermont valley, this athletic scholar started her schooling and track career at the Buccament Government School. She then continued on to the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, where she would become a common sight at the Inter Schools Athletics Championships.
She began to be shaped into a 200m and 400m runner in the fold of the IT DAT Academy. Head Coach of IT DAT, Michael Ollievierre said of Sorenya, “she is very committed, ambitious, loyal and a pillar of strength to our Academy.”
After graduating from St. Joseph’s, Sorenya left our shores in 2017 for Columbia, South Carolina on a track and field scholarship, where she continued her academic and athletic journey.
Sorenya admits that adjusting to a new culture and environment was a challenge, especially with track practice being held at 5 in the morning. She says it took some getting used to. She also adds that it was hard being out on your own, having to support yourself, particularly with the fact that it is difficult for international students to get jobs on campus. She however confesses, that she is grateful for the opportunity.
The injury bug got a hold of Sorenya, in what she describes as her biggest challenge, but she was able to overcome it.
“In 2018, I got injured. I was a bit down because I came off a very good first season. However, my coach and teammates helped me through the recovery process, and I was able to comeback stronger and faster.”
And comeback faster and stronger she did. By the end of her career, Sorenya had broken several school records, and was named Benedict College Women’s Track & Field 2018/19 Track Athlete of the year.
But it was not all academics and athletics for Sorenya. While at Benedict College, she also found time to become involved in the Benedict College Chapter of the NAACP, Theta Alpha Kappa Philosophy and Religion Honor Society and Benedict College Theater.
With her Summa Cum Laude distinction, meaning she finished with a total Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.89, she now has her sights set on doing her Masters in Exercise and Sport Psychology, and will seek to work various groups of athletes, including those with disabilities.
As it has with almost everything else, Covid-19 has slowed her progress, though she tries to remain in top shape. And in this time of uncertainty, she says, “One thing I do know for sure is where the Lord leads I will follow.”
