The search for a new head coach of the track and field program at AIC is finally over. After a difficult past few seasons and a number of different coaches, the atmosphere around the track has been electric with anticipation. The team’s management knew they needed a fresh perspective and a leader who could inspire and elevate the players. They carefully reviewed dozens of candidates, assessing their track records, coaching philosophies, and ability to foster teamwork. Finally, after weeks of deliberation, the team announced their choice of director and head coach Victor Parsley, a dynamic coach with a history of turning struggling teams into contenders.

In past seasons, the coaching staff and the team have struggled. During the 2023-24 season, the track team entered the season with excitement and determination, but as the weeks progressed, their hopes began to fall. Races once seen as opportunities became bitter reminders of their hardships. Despite the hours of grueling practice and relentless dedication, they consistently finished behind their rivals, and each meet felt heavier than the last.

The atmosphere at practices shifted from one of lively camaraderie to one of quiet tension. Coaches offered encouragement, but the athletes couldn’t shake the sense of frustration that hung in the air. Injuries plagued key runners, and personal bests seemed just out of reach. The echoes of starting pistols became haunting reminders of the team’s unmet goals.

Anthony Edokpa, a senior on the team who specialized in the 200-meter and the 400-meter races had this to say about the past season: “The constant hiring of different coaches definitely debunked my experience of collegiate track. After suffering a knee injury, I feel like I’ll never be the same and have that push from a coach to be myself again.”

The selection committee, following the rules of compliance in athletic management, was particularly focused on finding someone who not only had the tactical expertise, but also the charisma to connect with the players and the community here at AIC.

The excitement among the players was palpable as they gathered for the first meeting with Coach Parsley. A senior on the Track & Field team Monique Malcolm had a few pleasant things to say about her new head coach. “These past few weeks, Coach Vic has helped me progress,” she said. “Even with having a minor ankle injury, he’s still guiding me in the right direction to overcome this barrier. I hope he’s here to stay.”

The new coach emphasized a culture of accountability, resilience, and collaboration, igniting a renewed sense of hope and determination within the team. I sat down with head coach Vic and asked him why he chose AIC and what he believes the future holds for the team. He stated “I am from up north and I wanted to bring light to the track team that it deserves. I am willing to bring my best to this team and give coaching my all here. In the future we will be a winning team again; we will have the best runners, jumpers, and throwers in the conference; we will be on top as long as I’m here.”

With a clear vision and an inspiring leadership style, the new head coach is ready to lead the team into a new chapter, where they can build not just a winning record, but a strong, united
identity. The journey ahead promised challenges, but there is a shared belief among the coach and the team that together they can achieve greatness.