Competing teen meets Down Under challenge

Monay Phillips, 16, was born in Clovis. She is the daughter Travis and Monica Phillips, both former Clovis High graduates.

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Phillips with a Kuala bear while on her trip to the sanctuary Australia this summer.

Phillips has a younger brother, Malik Phillips. She enjoys basketball, softball and track & field.

This summer, Phillips accepted the challenge to join the 2015 USA Track & Field team for the 15th Annual Down Under Track & Field meet in Australia. She was selected to throw shot put and discus and she placed eighth in shot put and fourth in discus.

Phillips credits local businesses for sponsoring her and is grateful to her father for accompanying her to Australia. Phillips, who at first appears bashful, expresses how much she loves sports but has made it clear that as much as she loves sports, she has other goals in life and how important academia is to her.

She wants to be a big time accountant and realizes the detail and accuracy needed to be successful. Phillips will be a junior at Clovis High School this fall.

What is your favorite part about being a student athlete?

I like competing against the other teams.

What do you not like about being an athlete?

I don’t like running. I haven’t had a day off this summer. My summer is beginning now.

Were you familiar with Down Under Sports before you were nominated to compete for track and field?

No. When school started, they sent me a packet inviting me.

My mom researched it to see if it was legit. There were other students nominated as well but I was the only one that accepted.

Who is your hero and why?

My dad. He went with me to Australia. If he didn’t go with me I would have not gone. He’s always there for me and he pushes me to do better.

Who is your favorite entertainer?

Tommy Davidson. He’s funny.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

I wake up, get dressed, no cleaning, and hang out with friends. I’d eat a couple of meals and go back to sleep.

What is your theme song or your favorite song?

“Nay Nay.” I like to do the dance and everyone calls me Nay Nay (short for Monay).

What is your favorite taste?

I have a lot. I like green chili, chicken and cheese enchiladas.

What is your favorite smell?

Nicki Minaj perfume.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

I want to be playing sports still but I want to be an accountant for a big casino. But I’ll still be involved in sports in some way.

— Compiled by CMI Advertorial/ Editorial writer D’Nieka Hartsfield