Texas A&M University has one of the largest university systems in the world- not to mention they have the fourth largest chain in the United States and #1 in the state of Texas. Also, taking center stage is the Aggies athletics program. College Station is a wonderful college town in which student-athletes not only learn and receive a great education, but they have access to great weather, training facilities, and competition.
Shamier Little, formerly of Lindblom Prep on the southside of Chicago, is one of the most decorated athletes in IHSA history. Over the span of a four year prep career, Little produced an assortment of diverse marks that may stand for many years. For example, she twice attempted and successfully completed the crazy but yet incredible state championship four-event quadruple (includes back to back 400m/300H).
Look at these marks over Little's final two years of high school: 200m- 23.65/US#10/IL#1- good for IL#2 all-time; 400m- 52.59/US#3/IL#1- fastest time ever for an Illinois girl; 100H- 13.87/US#23/IL#2; 300H- 42.29/US#16/IL#2; 400H (2012)- 57.44/US#1/IL#1- world junior championship finalist.
Little is one of three recent former Illinois prep athletes who ventured southwest to join the “Aggie Nation” with the hope of one day obtaining some lofty goals. Little took some during her winter back in Chicago to share a few things since graduating from high school last spring.
You of course had a hall of fame career at Lindblom. Can you sum up your four years that ultimately was one of the best of all-time boy or girl?
It’s really hard to sum up that time. When I first started my freshman year, never in a million years did I think that I would do what I did. I was fortunate enough to travel around the country and world to meet some amazing people. Each year it got better and better.
There is a feeling that you only scratched the surface as an athlete as your 52.59 all-time record for an Illinois girl. Did you realize that you ran the fastest 400m ever breaking Chicago Morgan Park legend Alexandria Anderson's mark even though you have been looked upon as a hurdler?
I didn’t even know that at the time. I was shocked that I went 52.xx, and when you told me that I ran the all-time fastest time, I was excited too but stuff doesn’t really hit me until later. Or it never really hits me at all. Being a hurdler should mean that my 400m time would be fast, so that it lines up with my long hurdling marks.
Moving on to college, what was your first semester like from an academic and athletic standpoint?
Coming from Lindblom (a college prep school) I was really prepared to handle the academic workload. It goes the same with my coach Ashley [Homere] in terms of athletic workload. When I got there I wasn’t too overwhelmed after listening to my teammates horror stories about their first and worst days of practices. I was just thankful that I haven’t experienced that….yet.
What are you majoring in? What do you want to do with yourself after your athletic career is over? Do you have a favorite class?
I’m majoring in agricultural leadership, but I’m trying to switch over to business management. Right now I don’t think that any of my majors would go toward my dream career, so I’m just trying to find something that I don’t hate the most so college isn’t completely dreadful. My favorite class would have to be the general history class I just took. The professor was great and I’ve always liked history. After my athletics career is over, I would like to become a firefighter.
You are extremely close to your mother as may not know. Did you ever get homesick?
I haven’t gotten homesick because school has been keeping me busy, and I love it here. I don’t have too much time to think about home. But I have started to miss home since coming back for break. I’m so used to traveling that it’s like I’m seeing college as a big track meet. It’s more like world juniors when I went to Spain. I admit that I do turn into a sack of water when I talked to mom over the phone a few times.
Why did you pick Texas A&M over say UCLA or another top college wanting you?
It’s definitely because of Coach [Vince] Anderson. With all the other coaches, there were a few that cared, and that I clicked with- that’s why they made it into my top 5. However, there was something about Coach Anderson. The state of Texas never even crossed my mind but the day he sat in my living room, I was sold. I tried to keep an open mind through the recruiting process, but in the back of my mind, I knew Texas A&M was the place where I belonged.
What events are you going to concentrate in? What are your goals for the year?
I’m concentrating on all the events that run, but not all at once. My goals for the year are to just be faster than I was last year.
What are your career goals in track and field?
I have no idea. I don’t really think about my career goals. It would be nice to be remembered even if it’s not for being the best.
Tell us about having a roommate and college life. How is she and do you have fun outside of school and sports?
I’m roommates with half the team and I’m serious! I’m at their houses throughout the week between study hall, practice, and classes. I’m back at my dorm more than people think, and when I’m there I have no problems with my roommate, Kara [Erickson], who is a high jumper. We get along great and I love her. I do have some fun, but I’m mostly chilling at a teammates house and using their wifi. It doesn’t get any better than that.
*Milesplit Illinois would like to salute Shamier the best in her pursuit of academic and athletic excellence.
