"18-5"
Hearing that from the judge working the long jump the Bob Brotherton Invitational was music to the ears of North DeSoto's Lyric Spencer, who improved her personal best by half of a foot and moved to No. 2 on Louisiana's list for sophomore girls in the long jump.
"I know I was capable of it, but it's shocking to hear it come to life especially after all of the injuries I've dealt with and stuff," Spencer said of her latest accomplishment. "It's nice to hear."
Here is a sentence that will be nice to read. Spencer is this week's MileSplit LA Future Star. It's well deserved recognition.
"It's been a long time coming," North DeSoto head coach Robert Madison, who was Spencer's P.E. teacher back when she was in the second grade.
Last season, Spencer suffered an injury during a drill in practice and missed the entire freshman season. That was then, and this is now.
Besides the long jump, Spencer is ranked in the top 20 in the sophomore class in the 100 meters (No. 14), 200 meters (No. 12), and 400 meters (No. 17). While she likes sprinting, she loves jumping.
"I love the sand," Spencer said.
She loves it so much that she plans to spend even more time in the sand next year when she adds the triple jump to her repertoire.
Before that, Spencer wants to continue setting personal records, but more importantly--staying healthy. Making it to the LHSAA State Outdoor Championships is another goal for Spencer.
Spencer is ranked No. 2 in Class 4A. In the 100m she is ranked No. 4 with a season best of 12.45. In the 200 meters Spencer ranked No. 2 in the region with a season best of 25.62.
Spencer is planning to run summer track and hopes to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics.
When she is not practicing or competing, Spencer enjoys spending time with her family.
