Home Sports Maroon Spotlight: Aunika Kemp

Maroon Spotlight: Aunika Kemp

To represent our Maroons, we’ll be celebrating Cyclist Aunika Kemp, who started off her senior season strong with a win at Explore Park hosted by Roanoke College. After the victory, Kemp thanked her coach Shelley Jolds and President Shushok for hosting the flawless event. Roanoke College has one of the top cycling programs in the nation, and the Maroons are very proud to be sending one of our own to a national competition. This past Saturday, Aunika represented team USA in a Mountain Bike World Cup in Lake Placid, New York. Ever since Kemp started mountain bike racing competitively, it has been her dream to compete in a World Cup. Kemp has manifested this dream into a reality with the note that was above her bed for five years, and now she has competed in the World Cup proudly wearing red, white, and blue. 

Before her race Kemp stated, “I’m beyond honored to be selected by Team USA Cycling, and I can’t wait to give it everything I’ve got.” Although Aunika would be competing against other top cyclists, she remained hopeful and blessed for the opportunity she received. Kemp competed in the World Cup short track cycling event Friday afternoon, and she quotes “… it was chaotic, but in the best way possible!” Aunika did not receive the news until 20 minutes before the race that she would be competing – which was a slightly scary and hectic moment – but Kemp rushed to get ready and headed to the start line to compete. Aunika would also compete in a cross-country mountain bike race on Saturday, September 28th. Tons of fans lined the course, and the race itself was exhilarating and fun for Kemp. Although the results did not exactly match Kemp’s hopes, she still had fun during the race stating “I raced the fastest girls in the world … but just being able to race the best of the best was an insane experience.” We are so very proud of Aunika for taking on this challenge, and cannot wait to see what other races she will compete in next!

Lauren Price
Staff Reporter