North Carolina Wesleyan University is celebrating another historic milestone from standout student-athlete Kamiyah Wooten, who has earned the No. 1 seed in the 200-meter dash heading into the NCAA Division III National Championship finals on Saturday, May 23, in Wisconsin.
Wooten’s journey to the top has been fueled by determination, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“If it was easy, everyone would be doing it,” said Wooten.
What began as a freshman-year goal to become First Team All-Conference quickly evolved into a decorated collegiate career filled with championships and national recognition. After conversations with her coaches, Wooten set her sights even higher: becoming an NCAA Division III All-American.
Mission accomplished.
Resumé
Now a five-time All-American, Wooten has built one of the most accomplished résumés in program history, earning:
- Six NCAA Division III First Team All-American honors
- Six NCAA Division III Second Team All-American honors
- NCAA Division III Athlete of the Week honors
- Two NCAA USTFCCCA South Region Athlete of the Year awards
- Four USA South Conference Female Athlete of the Year awards
- Two North Carolina Wesleyan University Female Athlete of the Year honors
Currently ranked No. 1 nationally in Division III in the 200m, Wooten credits her success to a combination of hard work, mental strength, and the support system around her.
Her Inspiration
“My inspiration came from a mix of personal goals and the people around me who believed in my potential,” Wooten shared. “I’ve always wanted to push past my limits and prove to myself what I’m capable of. Seeing other elite athletes perform at a high level motivated me to elevate my own performance.”
She emphasized that reaching the top required consistency, trust in her coaches, and attention to every detail of her performance.
“Getting to number one didn’t happen overnight,” she said. “It took consistent training, staying disciplined, and focusing on the small details like my start, transition, and finish. I also had to stay mentally strong and confident, especially during tough races and practices.”
Competing at an elite level in track and field requires more than talent alone, according to Wooten.
“Competing at a high level takes a combination of physical ability, mental toughness, and discipline,” she said. “You have to be committed every day, not just at meets, but in practice, recovery, nutrition, and even rest.”
Her latest All-American honor came after another demanding season that tested both her physical and mental endurance.
“A major role in becoming All-American this season was consistency and staying locked in on my goals,” Wooten said. “It wasn’t easy. There were challenges, tough workouts, and moments where I had to push through fatigue and doubt. But staying disciplined and believing in the process helped me reach that goal.”
Wooten was also recently named NCAA USTFCCCA South Region Athlete of the Year for the second time in her career, an honor she says carries deep meaning.
“It means a lot to me mentally, physically, and emotionally,” she said. “It’s a reminder that all the hard work I’ve put in is paying off. Being recognized as the best in the region builds my confidence and motivates me even more.”
As she prepares to compete on the national stage once again, the entire Wesleyan community will be cheering her on as she races for another championship title.
