Team Engagement
Kimani began athletic journey doing gymnastics at the age of two and playing tennis at the age of five. She then began running track at the age of seven with the Miami Northwest Express Track Club. She studies architecture at Design and Architecture Senior High School. Kimani aspires to continue studying sustainable architectural design in college. As a freshman, she was the Florida 3A State Champion in the 300m hurdles and the USATF National Champion in the 400m hurdles. Since then, she has continued to become a state finalist in each of her events. She has been been selected first or second team for the Miami Herald All-Dade Team. Kimani hopes to one day design a sustainable fitness facility to help the environment and keep people happy and healthy.
PE: Why did you decide to apply to the 2013 NFL-Wharton PREP Leadership Program?
KR: Applying to the 2013 NFL-Wharton PREP Leadership Program seemed like an excellent opportunity to enhance my leadership and communication skills. Being able to experience the University of Pennsylvania in the wonderful city of Philadelphia sounded absolutely mesmerizing.
PE: Describe your thoughts and expectations going into the PREP Leadership Program.
KR: After being accepted to the program, I was bursting with excitement! I had never participated in a leadership program and I had no idea what to expect, but I was thrilled to experience something new.
PE: What was the most valuable portion of the PREP Leadership curriculum?
KR: Being able to meet and learn from professionals in sports (not just athletes) was, without a doubt inspiring. As an athlete, I always receive advice from coaches and other athletes, even professionals. At NFL-Wharton, I had the chance to receive advice and information from professionals who have made careers in sports but not as athletes. Many high school athletes are focused just on becoming professionals in their sport and usually have not even considered other careers that give them the opportunity to continue to be involved in sport but not as athletes.
PE: What was your favorite part about the PREP Leadership program as a whole?
KR: Having the opportunity to meet new people and other athletes from across the country was definitely my favorite part. Having the opportunity to meet other recruits, going through the recruiting process gave me a chance to find out how others were handling the stress of the process and deciding on which college to attend. And besides, communicating with others and sharing ideas has always been exciting to me.
PE: If you could make any changes to the PREP Leadership program, what would it be?
KR: Extending the amount of time spent at the program would be a great benefit to participants. I met some great people through the program and though we still maintain contact through social networks, having a little more time would have made for stronger bonds and friendships. I also would have liked to spend more time exploring the beautiful Penn campus and the city of Philadelphia.
PE: What skills did you gain from the PREP Leadership program that you are utilizing during your senior year?
KR: I learned to direct a group of people and get everyone on the same page through the team building activities. Being part of a big track team and a participant on a relay team, communication is truly the key to my success.
PE: Would you recommend this program to your peers?
KR: Yes! I would definitely recommend this program to any student-athlete with a leader's heart. It's also a great way to learn new skills that students can use on and off the court, track, or field.