Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University recently hosted a lecture titled "Journey to the Center of Success," featuring two accomplished Olympians with ties to the university. Priscilla Loomis, a St. John’s Athletics Hall-of-Famer and participant in the 2016 Olympics for Antigua and Barbuda, and Aliann Pompey, Director of the Red Storm Women’s Track and Field program and a four-time Olympian, shared their insights on achieving success both on and off the playing field.

During the lecture, Loomis and Pompey emphasized the importance of preparation, observation, and motivation in achieving one's goals. They also shared personal anecdotes that have influenced their journeys. Pompey recalled a chance encounter in her childhood that served as a source of motivation throughout her career. She said, "I return to that whenever there is an obstacle or something I do not think I can do. What is stopping me from doing it?"

Pompey, a native of Georgetown, Guyana, competed in the 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competition, she found a second career as a tutor, coach, and athletic administrator. Pompey's adaptability has been instrumental in her success, and under her leadership, the Red Storm women's track and field team has qualified for the NCAA championships in 2022 and 2023.

Loomis, who was inducted into the St. John’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022, shared her experiences of overcoming adversity and doubters. She emphasized the importance of not allowing negativity to have power and using it as fuel for success. Loomis retired from competition in 2021 and has since become a motivational speaker, fitness advocate, entrepreneur, and nonprofit manager.

Both Olympians stressed the significance of college as a foundation for success in life. Loomis encouraged students to remain focused on being the best athlete on and off the track, while also taking advantage of networking opportunities and building relationships with professors.

The lecture was attended by students, faculty, administrators, and staff, including members of Pompey's women's track and field team. Gabriella Caronia, a junior studying Criminal Justice, found inspiration in the passion and confidence displayed by Loomis and Pompey. She said, "It was very inspiring to see the passion they have and the confidence they possess. And not just about competition, but also in what they are doing now. It is awesome."

Zamira Ysaac, another attendee and member of the track and field team, expressed how the St. John's Olympians have motivated her to aim higher in both athletics and life. She said, "Listening to them makes you want to excel and to set your goals even higher. I'm already wondering what my next goal should be."

The lecture provided valuable insights and inspiration to St. John's University students, reminding them of the importance of determination, adaptability, and resilience in achieving success both on and off the field. The stories and experiences shared by Priscilla Loomis and Aliann Pompey serve as powerful examples of the paths to success that can be followed by aspiring athletes and individuals alike.