Senior Sendoff - Neily Stephens - Homewood High School

Neily Stephens

Homewood High School

What was your most memorable meet and why?
Definitely state!! After coming off of Tommy John surgery, I never would have expected to pr much less earn the second place spot on the podium!

Where did you face your biggest competition?
Any meet where I threw against Ella Chrissy from Northridge. She is one of the most kindhearted, genuine people I ever have and ever will meet, but she was my fiercest competition! Every meet with her was a battle.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome during your HS Track career?
Tearing my UCL and having Tommy John surgery right in the middle of my junior year season!

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Not all hard work pays off in the ways you think it will. You could work so hard to fall short of your goals, but pay attention to the other things you gain along the way - the people, the experiences, the joy that your sport brings you.

What are your post-highschool or college plans? Who would you like to say thank you to?
I will be attending Auburn University to study Public Relations. And thank you to Mike Shuey for giving up hours and energy and time and encouragement to help make the podium a reality for me this year.