Cross Country Runner, Jillian Candelino Felt “Powerful” During Her Season

Written by: Sabrina Sclater Photos submitted by: Jillian Candelino

As schools continue to commit on taking proper precautions to stay clear and safe from COVID-19, The Bolles School Cross-Country sophomore runner, Jillian Candelino, came to be a great phenom in Jacksonville high school distance running.

“Cross-Country has added a lot of restrictions during this season but in a way made it better,” said Candelino. “Because of quarantine, track season ended early, so we were actually able to start summer training early. This had made me far ahead which is the reason why I did really good this season because I had a lot of training under my belt.”

Candelino had an impressive personal record (PR) this past cross-country season with a time of 18:19.57 in the 5K. “Despite the virus, I was able to push through it and come out on the top,” she remarks.

During the Class 2A state cross-country championship, Candelino placed second overall with the time of 18:42.

“States every year is a really good course for me to run on,” she said. “I just really enjoy running it and I feel it makes me better especially the crowd, [they] hype it all up which makes it much more fun.”

Additionally, The Bolles girls cross-country team won and broke the record of the lowest points in the state cross-country championship at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. Candelino described the experience as a “major accomplishment” for her and her team this season and describes running as liberating, fearless, and powerful.

Candelino has set some astonishing goals for herself as she gets ready to adventure on into her junior year of high school. She plans to break her PR again next season along with becoming a leader on the team, “I encourage my team to just run, bring peace, and [have] fun.”

Beside these goals, she has other achievements she has set for her journey of running.

“I hope to achieve more life lessons from running, [because] it has taught me commitment and patience with time,” said Candelino. “I have learned patience from running because I wasn’t able to break seventh grade PR until last year and it was a little frustrating, but it taught patience on how everything doesn’t come easily.”

Being a student athlete brings a lot of challenges along the way. As for Candelino, she had some challenges to overcome to be able to succeed as a student athlete. Her biggest challenge: staying committed.

“Putting your sport before your social life and trying to balance school…” she stated. “Despite these challenges, she has been able to excel through her journey of running.”

As college begins to slowly approach for the rising cross-country runner, she is still under the loop with exactly what she wants to accomplish pertaining college. “As of right now, it’s definitely up in the air.”

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A New Chapter

Davin Daniels

Written by: Kaitlyne Piper Photography by: One Three Studios Photography

Not all players end up playing their beloved high school sport, however a new chapter of their lives is only starting once they graduate. This can be seen in the life of Andrew Jackson basketball player Davin Daniels, whose basketball career is being put behind for the life of an architectural one.

“I am closing a chapter of my life, leaving some of the people that I have grown to love so much,” said Daniels.

Daniels has played as a point guard since he could remember. The will to compete and the want to win has driven him far. He began playing at the age of five and grew up in a basketball household which reflects his views on life.

“I guess you can say my love for basketball stems from my love for my family,” he said.

He states that the best part about basketball is the fact that he can build bonds with just about everyone he comes into contact with. Daniels' most priceless basketball memory reflects back to the bonds he has made. He says that during his sophomore and junior year playoff runs were too bittersweet to ever forget. As well as his memories with his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coach, Monica, who he says has been there from the beginning of his career. He says she has always given her his all so he would always try to return the favor in his playing.

Before games Daniels tends to mellow out and remember why he plays basketball. He has his own routine for each game. He plays his specific playlist, relates his own playing to the player he looks up to (Lebron James), and looks at pictures of his family to remind him of why he plays.

“I get joy out of playing basketball but while playing I’m, in a way, ‘emotionless’ just focused on the task.” It is interesting to see how Daniels is driven by passion for the sport and love for his family, but also plays as if his life depends on it. It is amazing to see.

Currently Daniels is averaging at about seven points per game, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Considering how many seasons have been affected or stopped by COVID-19, it is great to see a young athlete still making good stats. He states that his biggest weakness is overthinking but that it balances out with his biggest strength, his knowledge of the game.

“Most of the time I see the plays before they happen,” said Daniels.

Although his basketball career is coming to a close, he was excited to have a chance to compete for the state title. For the third year in a row the team had a chance to compete in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) boy’s basketball semifinals. The team had a total of 16 wins and five losses before playoffs where they expected to go undefeated.

“We were in the position to win it, but we didn't come through with the victory,” said Daniels. “So, getting this chance means that much more. We've got to play as a team. Play defense, just play Jackson basketball. If we do that nobody can beat us.”, says Davin Daniels after a pre-playoff game.

“Being an athlete has taught me life lessons, taught me how to communicate as a leader and has given me a work ethic I will carry my whole life.”

As for his future without basketball he does plan to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT). He is going to pursue a degree in architectural engineering. However, Daniels chose NCAT because he always dreamt of going to a historically black college and university (HBCU). It is nice to see a dream of his coming true. What is even better is the fact that he will have his family supporting him throughout his time at NCAT.

Who knows, maybe Davin Daniels will end up creating one of the most famous basketball arenas in the U.S. or even the world. The future is bright for him as one door closes another one opens.

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