Kent State of Mind: Antoine Brown - Finding My Place
11/25/2024 2:01:00 PM | Men's Track & Field
When I transferred to Kent State, I knew I found a team that was going to work really hard and challenge me to become a better athlete and person.
I grew up in Twinsburg, Ohio, just about 30 minutes away from campus. When I entered the transfer portal, I was a local kid looking for a family-oriented team, and Kent State provided that in spades.
The moment I joined the team, the guys welcomed me with open arms.
It was the best decision I could have made.
Being in this environment actually makes me faster.
As a sprinter, I run the 100, 200 and 400-meter, but it's the 400m that’s captured my heart.
It's challenging, but I've found that the best things in life are often the ones that push us out of our comfort zones.
Taking Action
Coming to Kent State also gave me a chance to take on a unique role beyond ‘just’ being an athlete — I’m a representative for the Undergraduate Student Government.
I’m actually only the second student-athlete to ever represent the athletic programs in the government.
I've always been an outgoing person who loves to communicate and interact with different people, so being one of the first voices for the student-athlete experience has been a blessing.
One of the most memorable moments was during our spring semester event called Flash Fest.
We always bring a performer in, and I got to help choose an artist the student-athletes would enjoy. They’re always at the front of the crowd, dancing, so it was really awesome to help find someone they’d be excited about.
It may seem like a small thing, but those little moments matter.
I’ve been through a lot of obstacles and battles, but I’ve always been action-oriented.
I believe knowledge is power, and I’m big on getting out of my comfort zone and learning how to grow.
I hope I can inspire others through my actions.
Giving Back
I try to lead by example on my team and in the student government. I learned how to do that from growing up in a big family.
I am the second oldest, and I have six siblings.
Helping take care of my younger siblings taught me the strength it takes to overcome obstacles.
From taking them to school and practice, then going to work, and doing it all over again, I just had to be strong every day.
I also always made sure to check in on my great-grandmother, grandma, mom, and aunties; it was important for them to know I was there for them.
I hope I set a strong example for my family through my training and psychology studies.
I just want my younger siblings, in particular, to know their goals are possible if they work hard and put themselves in a position to be successful.
Growth Mindset
Looking ahead to the upcoming track season, I would love to break 48 seconds in the 400m, and also place in the top five at a race this spring.
It’s kind of rare for sprinters to enjoy running that event, but it helps showcase my range, especially my ability to execute the curves.
While I still have quite some time left as a student-athlete, I do have some aspirations for life after college, too.
As simple as it sounds, I just want to help people.
I’m a psychology major and have a double minor in sports psychology and business.
I want to help athletes improve their mental health and connect with them on a deeper level.
I’ve learned that communication is key, and talking to my coach about how I feel throughout the day and week has played a big role in my athletic performance.
I can’t do it alone, and I’ve learned that there’s a big group of people who care for me and want to see me succeed.
Leaning on them has been very beneficial for me, and I want others to take advantage of the resources and support systems available to them as well.
I want to be there for them and help them navigate the ups and downs of life.
It goes without saying that in my time here at Kent State, I’ve already found a place where I can continue to grow, both as an athlete and as a person.
And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
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