Virginia Homeschool Victory

An eighth-grade homeschooled student from Suffolk took first place at the 2022 Adidas Track Nationals on March 18. Michailyn Rose ran the Girls’ 800-meter final in 2:14.07, crossing the finish line a split second before her nearest competitor.

“I really wanted to speed up the pace a little bit on that third lap so I could try to pass her. It was harder than I expected,” Michailyn said in a post-race interview. “I really didn’t think I was going to do it. But God really helped me push myself, and He really helped me do this.”

Up next, Michailyn is training for the end-of-season championships. Her next event with her team, Faith In Action, is a national competition in North Carolina in June.

Faith In Action trains in Virginia Beach. Their training program runs all three seasons and is open to athletes from any school background, not just homeschoolers.

“Faith in Action is not your regular sports team. We are a sports organization, but ministry first based out of our church, Faith In Action International, New Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Norfolk/Bishop C V Russell, Jr. Pastor,” said Marcia Rose, coach and Michailyn’s mom.

“We are blessed that Papa/Coach Rose is one of the best coaches in the country. People also are drawn to him because he is Jamaican. All four of my kids have been blessed athletically under his coaching/leadership. He is the head coach at Tallwood High sSchool,” Mrs. Rose said. “We wish all homeschooled athletes had access to this combination of a homeschool father who also helps individuals better themselves as a whole.”

Victory for Health, Skills & Commitment

If you have a homeschooler interested in running or Track and Field, Mrs. Rose said finding an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) or USATF (USA Track & Field) organization in your area is a good place to begin. Online websites will point you to the closest ones.

AAU/USATF programs are geared for all students and are primarily after-school clubs; they are not geared specifically for homeschoolers. They require commitment, and students who seek them out should plan to stay the length of the program.

“Approach track & field as a health, gym, learning, motor, strength, and speed skills focus,.” Mrs. Rose said. “These are the basis of ALL sports. This way, you are apt to commit to the length of the program.”

“If anyone needs some direction for teams or with coaches we know of in their area of Virginia, we can help with that also. God has blessed us to have been a part of the running/track & field Virginia culture for 25 years,” Mrs. Rose shared.