ORANGEBURG, S.C. --Freshman standout Sanaii Gaines wasted little time making her presence felt at South Carolina State University. In her debut season, the Daytona Beach, Florida native has shattered personal records, claimed a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship title, and earned a berth to the NCAA East Regional Championships. As one of the Bulldogs' rising stars, Gaines continues to make headlines both on and off the track. We recently sat down with the rookie sensation to discuss her journey, accomplishments, and the mindset that has fueled her remarkable first year in Orangeburg.

Q: What were some of your personal goals in track and field you feel you have accomplished this season? 
A: One of my biggest goals was coming back strong after being hurt most of the season and proving to myself that I could still compete at a high level. I was able to make it to regionals and win MEAC in long jump, which meant a lot to me because of everything I had to overcome. 
  
Q: What would you say was one of the biggest challenges you faced being part of the team? 
A: One of the biggest challenges was dealing with injuries while still trying to stay mentally locked in and support my team. It was hard watching from the sidelines at times, but it taught me patience and resilience. 
  
Q: What would you tell your younger self at this point? 
A: I would tell my younger self to trust the process and stop doubting herself so much. Everything won't always go perfectly, but the setbacks are part of the journey. 
  
Q: What was the best advice given to you throughout your career? 
A: The best advice I've got is to stop putting so much pressure on myself and just enjoy the moment because opportunities like this don't last forever and not every day is going to go how you want it, but if you stay disciplined and believe in yourself the results will come. 
  
Q: Who is your toughest critic after a track performance? 
A: Myself, I always feel like there's something I could've done better no matter how good I perform. 
  
Q: When I am not interacting with track & field, I am doing? 
A: Spending time with friends and family, listening to music, working out, or just relaxing. 
  
Q: If I wasn't involved in track & field, I would be doing what? 
A: I'd probably be playing basketball or doing something that is still connected to sports. 
  
Q: A hidden talent I have no one knows about is? 
A: Dancing  
  
Q: The person I admire the most in life? 
A: My mom is because of how strong she is and everything she pushes through no matter what. 
  
Rapid Fire 

• Go to meal after practice: Chipotle 
• Favorite workout so far: Speed days  
• Go to artist to lock in before competing: Rod wave  
• Water or Gatorade: Gatorade 
• Favorite Cereal or Snack: Captain Crunch 
• Favorite Hobby: Traveling 
• Favorite Sport besides Track and Field: Basketball 
• Something About Myself No One Else Knows: I'm way more emotional than people think 
•  One word that describes yourself: Resilient 

 
ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA STATE ATHLETICS
South Carolina State University sponsors 16 NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports programs, including women's golf, women's bowling, women's volleyball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track and field, softball, men's and women's outdoor track and field, women's soccer and football. The Bulldogs compete primarily in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), with the exception of women's soccer.
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