Sometimes athletes discover their potential in unexpected ways.
For IMG Academy track & field student-athlete Kosi Umerah, everything changed after attending a track & field camp at IMG Academy. What started as an opportunity to improve her overall performance quickly turned into something much bigger: discovering a talent she did not even realize she had.
Her journey became a reminder that talent matters, but confidence can completely change what an athlete believes is possible.
At IMG Academy athletes are given opportunities to explore their potential through elite coaching, individualized development, and an environment built around long-term growth.
Discovering a Talent for Throwing
Kosi originally arrived at IMG Academy focused on becoming a better track athlete overall. Throwing was not necessarily part of the long-term plan. But during camp, coaches quickly noticed something special.
“I had a natural talent for throwing that I didn’t know I had,” Kosi explains. “I hadn’t realized that I could go to college for throwing until our conversation with Coach Mark and until I felt it for myself.”
That moment changed everything. For many athletes, it only takes one coach, one breakthrough, or one experience to completely shift their mindset and confidence. IMG Academy coaches work closely with athletes to identify strengths and help them develop skills they may not have fully recognized yet.
Athletes attending IMG Academy track & field camps are exposed to event-specific training, individualized coaching, and competitive development opportunities designed to help athletes continue progressing at every level.
The Confidence to Chase Bigger Goals
Talent alone can only take athletes so far. Confidence often becomes the difference between potential and performance.
According to IMG Academy throws coach Mark Stephens, Kosi approached training without major expectations at first.
“She didn’t really come here with any expectations,” Stephens says. “She was coming here to be a better track athlete.”
Once coaches saw her ability in the throwing ring, they encouraged her to continue competing and developing the skillset further.
That confidence quickly translated into results. In just seven months, Kosi went from being a developing athlete to becoming a national champion thrower.
“I didn’t realize how fast things went by,” Kosi says. “It was a really jam-packed seven months full of experiences.”
Stories like Kosi’s are part of what makes athlete development so unique. Growth can happen quickly when athletes train in the right environment with the right support system around them.
Why the Right Training Environment Matters
Athletes develop differently depending on the environment around them.
At IMG Academy, track & field athletes train with experienced coaches, structured development plans, and access to performance training resources that support growth both on and off the track.
The IMG Academy girls' track & field and cross country program includes:
- Event-specific coaching
- Strength and conditioning
- Mental performance training
- Recovery and sports medicine support
- Nutrition guidance
- Video analysis and technical development
For throwers specifically, training focuses on mechanics, power, speed, coordination, and consistency across multiple throwing events.
Athletes also benefit from a culture built around development, accountability, and competition.
For many student-athletes, being surrounded by other motivated athletes creates an environment that naturally pushes them to improve faster.
Preparing for the Next Level
Kosi’s rapid development eventually led her to Vanderbilt University, where she continued her throwing journey at the collegiate level.
Her coaches believe she is only getting started.
“I think the sky’s the limit,” Stephens says. “I think she’s going to score in the SEC very early in her career, and then later in her career, she has the chance to do some special things.”
College preparation is a major focus for many athletes training at IMG Academy.
Along with athletic development, athletes also have access to college recruiting resources and support designed to help them prepare for the next step in their athletic careers.
Growth Happens When Athletes Believe in What’s Possible
Kosi’s story is not just about throwing. It is about confidence, opportunity, and discovering what can happen when athletes are pushed outside of their comfort zones.
Sometimes, athletes do not fully realize their own potential until someone helps them see it. That combination of coaching, development, and belief can completely change an athlete’s future.
Athletes who want to continue improving year-round can also explore IMG Academy’s mental performance and athletic development programs, which focus on building confidence, resilience, preparation, and consistency alongside physical training.
Watch Kosi’s Story
Watch the full video to learn more about Kosi Umerah’s journey at IMG Academy and how she discovered her passion for throwing.
