Ashlee Osaji Star Track Performer
MADISON- Born in California, but raised in the Madison area since age two, Ashlee Osaji was not the fastest girl in her neighborhood growing up nor was she the most gifted athlete. In the seventh grade a couple of her close friends asked her to try out for the school’s track team and from that moment on a “star was born.”
Today, the James Clemens High senior can claim to be one of the top elite athletes in Alabama after her 34-point performance in the Alabama High School Athletic Association State Track and Field Meet held in Gulf Shores. Osaji won both the long and triple jumps, was runner-up in the 200-meter and was third in the 400-meter races. Her performance was tops among Class 7A and led the girl’s track program to its first State Championship.
“I went to the State Meet thinking it was just another meet to stay relaxed with the mindset of me helping the team,” said Osaji. “We when finally won the State Championships I just couldn’t believe it. Most of us were speechless.”
Osaji signed a full scholarship with Southern Mississippi and will carry her 3.8 grade point average to the college with her sights set on studying nursing. She is currently undecided in what area of nursing she looks to pursue, but, if her past is any indication, she will find out what area to concentrate her studies and tackle the challenge and be the best she can be.
The daughter of Mike Osaji and Jessica Davis, the 5-foot-11, 135-pound athlete has chosen to be good athletic company away from the track. Her boyfriend is Charles Lewis, a senior at Sparkman High and LSU signee. He, too, is an elite track athlete as he won both the Class 7A 100 and 200-meter titles for the second consecutive year. They have been a couple since October of last year after meeting at a friend’s birthday party where they first met.
“I know once we go to college we will be separated and that will be tough on both of us, but we understand what is front of us with a college education and the chance to excel in collegiate track,” said Osaji.
The talented track star expressed the credit for her success and for most of her improvement in the sport goes to Elan Gaddy, assistant track coach at James Clemens. “He always pushed me to be better and gave me feedback when I needed it,” said Osaji, who also said she watched many videos on the correct techniques to go along with the coaching she received.
Her success almost didn’t come light as just prior to her junior season with the Lady Jets she suffered a stress fracture in her left foot. She was working out on the track jumping hurdles when she landed awkwardly. She knew right away something wasn’t right and after being seen by a physician she soon knew the fracture occurred and would miss much of the summer and fall training sessions. She returned just in time for the winter indoor track season where she started slow, but came on like gangbusters winning the state title in the long jump.
Prior to every event she meditates by herself and says a prayer. She likes the alone time and builds energy within her mind and body to face the challenges that are about to come her way. Osaji wears small hoop earrings and an elephant necklace for good luck, but for most who have seen her talents on the track, luck has very little to do with her success.
