Anderson Fulfills Dream Off The Track
December 08, 2023 | Track & Field, Athletic Academics, Student-Athlete Development
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State track and field star Navasky Anderson has been a force to be reckoned with in races all around the world, but now, he's running to a different finish line: college graduation.
The talented two-lapper has set his goals high from the start, ensuring that he will have a career that he loves when he's not wearing his cleats. Anderson hopes to work in a field that he loves more than anything else, and he's got plenty of plans on how he'll get there.
"My master's is in science and kinesiology…Hopefully one day, I can put my degree to good use with life after track and field," Anderson said. "Maybe sometime soon, I'm looking forward to getting into physical therapy and I love coaching, so I'm looking to do something in the world of track and field."
The path hasn't always been easy for the Kingston, Jamaica, native. Anderson started his collegiate career in 2019 and has spent the last few years finding a balance between being a professional athlete and a full-time student — both of which are difficult on their own.
"Just like on the track and field, there are a lot of ups and downs," Anderson said. "It's a lot of dedication."
He continued:
"I always have to ensure the same energy I'm putting on the track, I'm putting even more out academically in the classroom."
It's safe to say that the 6-foot-4 speedster has succeeded with that mindset. Anderson consistently finds himself as one of the top finishers in 800m races wherever he goes, and he holds the Jamaican national record for the event. Of course, in between setting records and collecting medals, he was working on coursework. It's now paid off exponentially.
"It's a lot to handle, but I'm glad I was able to put out the best effort and energy equally to both track and school," Anderson said. "I can say that I'm finally reaping the rewards."
Anderson will soon turn his tassel and leave the Magnolia State behind, but the imprint that MSU has left on him will never fade. As he reflected on his time in the Maroon and White, he noted some of the people and things that he will cherish the most as he continues.
"Being at Mississippi State honestly means the world to me," Anderson said. "I've made friends who became family… We have a great school family. Being here in Starkville on campus makes me feel so welcome."
There will be no time to rest following graduation. The Olympics are in just a few short months, and one of Anderson's biggest dreams is to make an impact in Paris this summer. As he's proven over the past few years, the Bulldog undoubtedly has the ability to do anything he sets his mind to, and he's approaching this opportunity with the same mentality that he's had when conquering every goal he's set before.
"I have to qualify for the Olympic Games [and] my goal is now to be on the podium," Anderson said. "I'm now even working harder than before."
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The talented two-lapper has set his goals high from the start, ensuring that he will have a career that he loves when he's not wearing his cleats. Anderson hopes to work in a field that he loves more than anything else, and he's got plenty of plans on how he'll get there.
"My master's is in science and kinesiology…Hopefully one day, I can put my degree to good use with life after track and field," Anderson said. "Maybe sometime soon, I'm looking forward to getting into physical therapy and I love coaching, so I'm looking to do something in the world of track and field."
The path hasn't always been easy for the Kingston, Jamaica, native. Anderson started his collegiate career in 2019 and has spent the last few years finding a balance between being a professional athlete and a full-time student — both of which are difficult on their own.
"Just like on the track and field, there are a lot of ups and downs," Anderson said. "It's a lot of dedication."
He continued:
"I always have to ensure the same energy I'm putting on the track, I'm putting even more out academically in the classroom."
It's safe to say that the 6-foot-4 speedster has succeeded with that mindset. Anderson consistently finds himself as one of the top finishers in 800m races wherever he goes, and he holds the Jamaican national record for the event. Of course, in between setting records and collecting medals, he was working on coursework. It's now paid off exponentially.
"It's a lot to handle, but I'm glad I was able to put out the best effort and energy equally to both track and school," Anderson said. "I can say that I'm finally reaping the rewards."
Anderson will soon turn his tassel and leave the Magnolia State behind, but the imprint that MSU has left on him will never fade. As he reflected on his time in the Maroon and White, he noted some of the people and things that he will cherish the most as he continues.
"Being at Mississippi State honestly means the world to me," Anderson said. "I've made friends who became family… We have a great school family. Being here in Starkville on campus makes me feel so welcome."
There will be no time to rest following graduation. The Olympics are in just a few short months, and one of Anderson's biggest dreams is to make an impact in Paris this summer. As he's proven over the past few years, the Bulldog undoubtedly has the ability to do anything he sets his mind to, and he's approaching this opportunity with the same mentality that he's had when conquering every goal he's set before.
"I have to qualify for the Olympic Games [and] my goal is now to be on the podium," Anderson said. "I'm now even working harder than before."
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Players Mentioned
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/ Track & Field2025 SPRING GRADUATION
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Fall 2023 Graduates
Monday, December 11