Rochele Solmon and Damali Williams have gone from Edwin Allen Excessive College in Jamaica to Hampton College and now to the Jamaican Olympic trials
HAMPTON, Va. — Damali Williams was a yr forward of Rochele Solmon at Edwin Allen Excessive College in Jamaica. When Williams graduated and selected Hampton College, 1,300 miles from house, to proceed her observe profession, Solmon figured that was the top of their time as observe and area teammates.
“She left highschool earlier than me and I used to be not pondering we would find yourself in the identical place once more,” mentioned Solmon.
Then it got here time for Solmon to make her faculty resolution and a well-known face reappeared.
“An individual I had identified for years was already there, sort of made the method simpler transitioning to America,” mentioned Solmon, who additionally selected to affix the Pirates.
Whereas Williams’ presence helped Solmon’s transition, Williams felt like she was joined by a chunk of house.
“It was a extremely nice feeling. I haven’t got to talk English on a regular basis, I can converse patois. I like that very a lot. It is good firm, it seems like I am nearly at house,” mentioned Williams.
Hampton observe and area coach Eric Smalls has even began to choose up bits and items from the language.
“Coach Smalls at all times tries to grasp us. He asks us and tries to study,” mentioned Williams.
“It is a chance for me to develop as an individual as a result of these are my first two worldwide athletes so it is a terrific alternative for me to study,” shared Smalls.
After sophomore Williams and freshman Solmon every submitted incredible seasons throughout the CAA competitors, a brand new problem arose this summer season.
“A dream come true truly. Simply representing your nation,” mentioned Solmon.
Solmon and Williams traveled again house to compete within the discus throw at Jamaican Olympic trials on Saturday joined by their head coach.
“He is becoming in very properly right here,” joked Williams relating to her head coach being in Jamaica with them.
Observe and area reign supreme in Jamaica much like American soccer within the U.S.
“In America, everybody loves soccer and in Jamaica everybody loves observe and area,” mentioned Solmon.
Williams and Solmon every positioned sixth and seventh within the girls’s discus throw with Williams marking a 51.02 and Solmon a 50.58.
