Click here to find out more about the Armory College Prep program
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Immediately upon returning from Daegu, South Korea, where she represented her native Guyana at the 2011 World Championships, former Manhattan College track & field star Aliann Pompey embarked on a new role as the Armory College Prep program's Director of Educational Development. The program was founded by 1996 Olympic gold medalist Derrick Adkins and is run out of the New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory in Manhattan.
Pompey, who served as the program's Assistant Director for two years, took over as Director on Sept. 1. Armory College Prep classes are open to New York City high school student-athletes who train at the Armory. The program is designed to give these students the academic support, counseling and encouragement needed for college admission, as well as providing financial aid for those who need it. Among the services being offered this year are SAT classes, financial aid counseling, college visits, individual tutoring and athletic coaching.
"I know what it'll take to be successful coming in," Pompey said. "It will be a learning experience, but I'm very happy to have this opportunity. I've been thinking about what to do when my (racing) career is over and trying to figure out a way to stay involved in track & field. This is a great way to do that, and have a lot of fun, too."
This new role will also allow the three-time Olympian to continue her preparations for the 2012 London Games. Pompey's appearance in Daegu marked the sixth time she competed at the World Championships. She has also won a pair of medals at the Commonwealth Games (gold in 2002, silver in 2010) and qualified for the final of the 400 meters at the 2010 World Indoor Championships.
"There's a certain amount of flexibility, which means I'll still be able to focus on my training for London," she said. "My most successful years have actually come when I'm working. Whenever I'm in a situation where everything is structured, I tend to do better."
In addition, Pompey is featured on the cover of the latest issue of GEM - Guyana Entertainment Magazine.
To follow Manhattan Athletics on Twitter, go to twitter.com/GoJaspers or visit Manhattan's Facebook fan page.
