Hello, my name is Sinaiah "Niah" McDuffie and I am a Senior at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, CA. I started running track in Kindergarten on a CYO Team and have been running ever since! I have developed a passion for sprinting, especially the 100m and 200m. During my CYO years, I qualified for the Diocese Finals in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 4x100m up until 8th grade. I have always wanted to compete at the collegiate level and have made it a personal goal to find a school the can meet both my academic and running needs as I value both. I have also run with the CA Track Club in the past in the offseason. I truly regret the time that was lost due to COVID but look forward to being able to run as a Senior and at the collegiate level.
I am also an Honor Roll student and have several extracurriculars including Student Ambassador, BSU Photographer/Event Coordinator, and Mock Trial. I won our school's Art Contest last year. I am also Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc Pacific Region Archonette of the Year. I am very active in my community volunteering both at school and with my youth group. In my youth group, I have served 2 terms as President and one as Secretary. I also help mentor the younger girls in the group and have lead discussions and hosted webinars on various topics.
I am on the Varsity Track & Field team at MCHS and as an older member, I try to help the incoming as well as the younger team members when needed. I believe it's not just about yourself, I do try to push myself to do my best, but I always try to look out for my teammates as well.
I challenged myself academically this year by taking 2 college-level courses over the Summer (Psychology and Sociology) and passed with A's. I also took 2 English courses this semester. I have ADHD, so initially, I did struggle, but just like the rest of the obstacles I have overcome in my life, I have adapted and now am doing well in school. I have a strong drive and desire to succeed which helps me strive to do my best in any situation. I have faced quite a bit of adversity being removed from my home and put into Foster Care at 8 months old, but as the saying goes, "diamonds are made under pressure," and coincidentally that's my birthstone!