After completing their warm up laps, the woman’s team
gathered up around their coach, 1996 Olympic Gold medalist
(400-meter relay) Maicel Malone.
“Okay 100 sit-ups ladies…let’s go,” Malone said. The
Indianapolis native, and Arizona State graduate enters her
second season at Florida A&M University with hopes of success.
The fairly new addition to the Rattler family, and former Florida
State assistant coach approaches but keeps with one eye still on
her players; Malone smiles and has a seat.
The Famuan: Before you decided to coach track and field,
what was it that you wanted to do?
Actually, I always wanted to be an engineer. But after going
to college, and taking the assessment test, my athletic advisor
told me it would be too hard for me to do both track and
engineering.
Q: Now that you’re a Rattler what is the best thing about your
job?
I would definitely have to say my athletes. It’s exciting because
you never know what to expect. Something new happens
everyday.
Q: On down days, what is the one thing that relaxes you and
makes everything OK?
Besides my son, my athletes tend to recognize my stress filled
days and their always so full of joy. Let’s say they know what to
say to make me smile.</i
Q: What is the last thing you did or place you visited that
made you think, ‘why didn’t I do this earlier?’
You know, I never had a vacation. The last place I visited was
Jamaica three years ago for a wedding, but I’ve never had a
vacation.
Q: Is there a form of art you prefer?
Music, I enjoy listening to music. Preferably jazz, however I do
have an appreciation, for all types. Music calms the soul.
Especially Luther (Vandross)!
Q: On an intellectual level, who or what are you most influenced
by?
My higher being. But overall throughout the years I had some
great mentors, former coaches played a major role in my life.
Coach Jones and Coach Hollaway of University of Florida, and
Coach Paige at Georgia Tech.
Q: When you hear the saying, ‘If I knew then what I know now,’
what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Oh my God! Spiritually, then, I would have been more
grounded. I would have made a lot of different choices. And I
would have definitely trained harder. I was always talented but
if I knew then what I know now I would have gone the extra
mile.
Q: What do you like most about Florida?
I love the weather and the convenience of going to the beach
when I can. Well, I haven’t been there in about five years.
Q: So how did you spend your time off this summer?
Time off?
Over the summer I did some recruiting and had the
pleasure of going to China and being a coach on the World
Junior Championship team.
Q: It seems like it’s all work. Do you have a favorite spot to
relax and gather your thoughts?
My room (she said jokingly). No. I live, sleep and eat my job
and my child. I need to relax and take a vacation.
Then it’s back to work…