Belle Barnett opened up her first collegiate season of track and field this year, and although the college stage can be daunting for a freshman, that has not held her back one bit. Barnett won the women’s open high jump at her collegiate debut at the Washburn Rust Buster and concluded her indoor season with an All-American performance at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships where she finished eighth in the high jump.
Barnett continues to show improvement as the Warriors prepare for the indoor season. Although she was not expecting to be this successful so soon in her career, she is very grateful for the opportunities she has been provided with.
One reason for Barnett’s success is the standards she holds herself to. She likes to set high expectations for herself but high standards come with struggles. Barnett has had to rely on God to keep her from placing too much pressure on herself. She knows that setting the bar too high can have consequences and take her away from her identity in Christ.
“I know sometimes I can be too hard on myself, so I really have to pray a lot to make sure I’m not,” Barnett said.
Barnett’s trust in God is part of what brought her to Sterling College. Originally, Sterling College was not in the picture, but God helped put her on the path to come here.
“I had actually crossed Sterling off my list at first,” she said. “But I prayed a lot and I just felt like God was calling me to come here.”
One of the biggest factors that has allowed Barnett to find her place at Sterling is the team environment. Barnett is a dual-sport athlete, participating in volleyball in the fall which gives her the opportunity to experience two different team environments at Sterling College.
“I love the environment created by the track team,” Barnett said.
Having a welcoming and supportive team can really make a difference in an athlete’s performance. As the track team grows in the years to come, it will continue to grow the performance of athletes like Barnett as well.
A big challenge that many freshman athletes tend to face is the stigma surrounding the title of being “freshman.” Lots of newcoming college athletes tend to feel undervalued or disregarded in their first year. They often feel the need to prove themselves to show that they belong.
Barnett has found the culture at Sterling College to be very welcoming no matter what your background is. This is something she really appreciates about Sterling, especially on the track team.
“I have never felt looked down on for being a freshman,” Barnett says.
Having this kind of welcoming team environment plays a big role in athlete confidence. The track team’s ability to instill comfort and belonging in their newcomers has allowed athletes like Barnett to reach their full potential. Barnett’s quick success this season is something to be recognized. God put her on the path to Sterling College, and He made a way for her in track and field.
She will look to continue this success as the Warrior open up their outdoor season at the Spire Team Challenge hosted by Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kan. on Friday and Saturday, March 20-21.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
