Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletic Communications
NORFOLK, Va. – The abrupt end to the remainder of the 2020 NCAA spring sports season around the country has hit especially hard for senior student-athletes, who do not know if they will have the opportunity to resume their collegiate careers.
Over the coming weeks and months, NSU Athletics is highlighting a number of these student-athletes who have been integral members of their sports programs, on and off the fields of competition.
Kequan Henley is in his fourth year on the Spartans track & field team. He has specialized in the high jump and long jump over the first three years of his career. As a junior, he placed sixth in the high jump at the MEAC Outdoor Championships and seventh at the MEAC Indoor Championships.
His career best height is 6 feet, 7.5 inches.
This year, he added the heptathlon to his plate. He was fourth at the conference indoor meet in February, scoring 4,323 points. He also placed eighth in the long jump.
Read more about her below in our Senior Spartan Spotlight:
Q: Why did you decide to attend Norfolk State?
A: I chose to attend Norfolk State for three specific reasons. The first was that I always wanted to attend an HBCU and be a part of a culture where I would fit straight in.
The second was (assistant coach Jerry) Price. Unlike many other college coaches who recruited me, Coach Price was consistent when recruiting me, he kept in contact, and showed that I was actually wanted somewhere.
The third was the overall track program here at the University. I knew that the track & field program was the most successful in the MEAC in the previous years and I wanted to be a part of something special. They were looking to rebuild and get back to the top, so I saw this as a perfect opportunity for me to make a name for myself.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a Spartan?
A: My favorite memory as a Spartan is when I won the heptathlon high jump while injured. It's the loudest I've ever heard the crowd. I was having a jump-off with a competitor from Bethune-Cookman and it was only our two teams left at the track meet because we were the last ones competing for the day. It's a moment I'll never forget.
Q: What do you love most about track and field?
A: The collaboration and competitiveness that it brings. By being more of an individual sport, it makes you competitive and pushes your teammates and yourself to make each other better every day. You also build special and unbreakable bonds with coaches and teammates. Track and field also preps your body and mind in a way no other sport can for other sports.
Q: You most competed in the high jump and long jump your first three years. This year, you added the multi-events and heptathlon to your repertoire. What has that been like?
A: I was actually recruited out of high school to compete in the multi's, but when I arrived, coach thought it would be best to perfect my craft for the high and long jump because they were my main events, then start to work on the other required events. It took longer than expected because I had to "get out of my own head" as coach would say. I enjoyed doing the heptathlon and feel as if I could have won if I would have caught on to things a year earlier.
Q: What are some of your hobbies when you're not in class or competing?
A: Making people laugh, spending time with friends. I'm a huge basketball fanatic, drawing, singing, and playing video games such as 2k, UFC, or Call of Duty.
Q: What is your major and what do you want to do with it after graduation?
A: My major is psychology, and after I graduate I plan on becoming a child counselor. My goal is to eventually become a famous college coach.
Q: What was the hardest part of having outdoor track season canceled?
A: The hardest part of not competing for the rest of this season is not being able to finish my senior year off strong. We were in a great position to win the MEAC Outdoor Championship, so not being able to do so hurt because I don't know what the future holds for me in track and field.
Q: The NCAA is considering providing eligibility relief to athletes whose seasons were cut short. What would another year of eligibility mean to you?
A: An extra year of eligibility for outdoor would mean the world to me! It will allow my senior brothers and I to be able to come back and compete to our highest abilities to win a championship. We will be able to write off the ending we deserved to have. We'll never know what we are capable of doing if we never get the chance to display it. So I'd be grateful for the opportunity!