Caitlyn Stringfellow

Caitlyn Stringfellow - Florida
Nomination by Julieanne Stringfellow
Photography by Bellamore Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

Nomination - Caitlyn always dreamed her path to college would be as a D1 track and field athlete. She is a state medalist and received offers to attend college to be a Thrower. Sadly, she suffered a severe back injury that required surgery.  She was determined to throw again.  She indeed threw the shot put and discus for a few meets but had to stop for fear of another surgery.   She was crushed but no defeated.  She never ceases to set goals and make them happen.  She is attending Florida State University in London in the Fall.    She inspires me daily because she is FEARLESS.  
​

Photography by Bellamore Photography

Tell us about your track and field career. How did you get started, what do you compete in now and what do you love so much about it?
I started my track and field career as a sprinter in the 7th grade. I realized quickly I didn’t enjoy running that much. In 8th grade I started throwing discus and shot put and I found my niche. My freshman year I made it to the State Championship. I medaled in discus in 6th place. My sophomore year at “States” in discus I finished and medaled in 8th place.
Covid19 hit my junior year and my senior year I was only able to compete in a few meets since I was injured.
I love this sport quite simply because the toughest competition was competing against myself.

What is a favorite memory and/or accomplishment in track?
My favorite memory in track is the SENSE of ACCOMPLISHMENT. After my back surgery at the start of my senior year I was just thankful I could walk again without dragging my foot. After months of PT, I was able to return to throwing. Half way through the spring season my back just couldn’t handle it anymore and I had to step away. I did not want to experience another back surgery. Top on my list to accomplish my senior year was to throw again. I did exactly that and I feel very accomplished.

Photography by Bellamore Photography

​What are your plans for the sport in the future with your injury?
During my years in high school, I had dreamed of going to college and being a Track and Field athlete. It almost came true. I received several offers with athletic scholarships. I am not sure what my future is with throwing. I know I won’t be able to actually throw again. I do hope I can mentor young female athletes and share the knowledge I have learned. It cannot all be taught. It’s more of a feeling. For now, I am going to attend college and just see where I am led.

Share more about your upcoming London education through FSU. What made you decide to do this right away in college and what are you looking forward to most about it?
I applied to 25 colleges and universities. I was accepted into all of them but three. I was so excited to get into Florida State University. FSU has a program called the Pathways Program. Studying abroad is an option of the program and I picked London. I have never traveled abroad much less traveled by myself. After everything I had been through my senior year, I decided to take a leap of faith. Since I am from a small town, I am most excited to meet new people, eat new foods, and tour new places especially the Harry Potter Studios.

Photography by Bellamore Photography

​What else should we definitely know about you?
Nothing has ever come easy to me in school. 
A simple memorization of counting by 5’s was a real task for me every day in the 1st grade.
 When I was in the 3rd grade I was retained for an additional year and I was diagnosed with ADD and short-term memory issues.
 Being retained made me question if I wasn’t as smart as the rest of the class.  I didn’t understand why I couldn’t learn just like everyone else. 
  All I have ever wanted to do is read something about any particular subject and actually remember it. 
Sadly, this just isn’t the case for me.
 I have had to work twice as hard as the average student because of my short-term memory deficiency.  This has taught me to work hard in everything I do.   I have learned to self-advocate for myself, ask more questions, and to be able to say "I do not know" and "I need help".
 This is a life lesson many people have a hard time processing and I have become really good at it.
I have used this life lesson to continue to push myself every day.   
I am proud to say I graduated in the top 20% of my class as the Class President, with a 4.2 GPA, a 4-year athletic scholar as well as a 4-year member of the marching band.
 
What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
 Serving others is very important to me. Throughout high school, I would help my local church and their mission group called Supper on Saturdays.  They distribute hot meals to our community on Saturdays. This experience has humbled me. We delivered not only meals but basic necessities. Many of the families we serve wait anxiously for 7-10 diapers to be distributed and that should last 2 days and they make them last until the following Saturday.  This is sadly a reality for some. My hope is along the way that I have inspired at least one little girl  to grow up and serve like I do because it comes with the greatest reward. 

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why? 
Acknowledgement for girls’ athletics especially at the middle school and high school levels, is something I am very passionate about. Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, the Dance Team, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swim, Tennis, Track and Field, Weightlifting, Volleyball and Twirlers count too. These teams deserve just as much recognition as the boys’ teams.  I live in the South and I am sure there are more sports to list. So many girls’ athletics get overlooked and or hardly recognized. How do we bring more attention to girls’ sports? By speaking up and raising awareness. I have been an athlete all my life and I am very proud of it.
 

Photography by Bellamore Photography

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Hands down the hardest thing was to score high enough on the ACT to receive the Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholars award. I accomplished this with a lot of tutoring and multiple test taking.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Never give up. Stay focused and BUSY. Ask yourself daily "what is my super power?"

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
That is a really good question. Honestly, I just don't know. In a few weeks or months after college starts, I am sure I will have a better answer. I am just thankful for today and looking forward to tomorrow.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
One of my favorite things to do is a good road trip. When my parents, brothers and I depart for an adventure this is when I am the happiest. I know we are going to have a blast just because we are all together. For the record, a trip to Buc-ees totally counts.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am really good at singing but I chose playing the euphonium instead in the marching band in middle school and high school.

3 Things on your bucket list
Disneyland in California, NYC 911 Memorial, and parasailing.

Who do you find inspiring?
My Great Grandma Mary Margaret. I called her MM. She died at the age of 95. She was the 1st person, besides my parents, to hold me after I was born. She was a true matriarch. I hope I am half the woman she was some day.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
My hard work ethic. I have proven time and again my resilience for overcoming ADD and short-term memory deficiencies. I can self-advocate as well as set goals and I make them happen.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I have two of the most supportive great aunts that live nearby. They are alumni of FSU and I am proud to say I already bleed Garnet and Gold and GO 'NOLES!

Look for Caitlyn in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

---

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen