Angel Brandon is a track star who is ready to go out with a bang for her senior year. She is an elementary education major who will be starting her student teaching program next fall, on her way to becoming certified to teach K-8.

Brandon was born in California, and is a native of Flint. Her journey to becoming a runner started at the young age of nine. Her older brother ran track in high school and college, so she was always up under him and wanted to be like him, following in his steps. 

Her younger sister also runs track, and Brandon being the person she looks up to is what motivates and drives her to be the successful track runner she is.

“I always want to show her that you can do this in college,” she said.

When Brandon is out there competing, she feels that nothing can stop her. 

“This is it — so that’s what’s constantly been in the back of my mind,” Brandon said. “This is my last year, so I might as well go out and give it all I’ve got and just push myself even when it does get tough.”

Just last year, she completed her first hurdling race after previously only having competed in the 200 and 400 meter dash. Learning a new event and excelling at it makes Brandon a very ambitious athlete.

“That was the biggest accomplishment for me,” she said. “I was 11th in the conference last year, and that’s good for someone who has never done it before, so my goal is to just place higher and do better now that I have that experience under me.” 

Running has impacted Brandon’s life and shaped her into the person she is today. 

“I think running track has made my confidence grow in a lot of aspects,” she said. “No one is going to believe in you until you believe in yourself. Your coaches can, your teammates can, but you have to want it for yourself, so that’s what it’s taught me. From freshman year to now, my confidence has grown in the sport, as a person and as a leader on the team.”

Running for Oakland has brought Brandon and her closest friends together. 

“[OU] gave me these bonds that I am going to have and take with me forever, so the team in general is what makes the experience way better,” she said.

Brandon is a supporter of her teammates and aims to be a positive influence all around. Although it is her last year, she wants to leave the team knowing she did her best.

“I want people to say, ‘yes, she tried hard. Yes, she went out and gave it her all,'” Brandon said. “That’s what I want to leave here at Oakland.”

To those looking to follow a similar trajectory, Brandon advises not to take a single day for granted.

“Have a good support system, stay focused and [keep your] eyes on the prize,” she said. “[…] Don’t let time fly, and always push yourself.”