Kevin Snyder '19 Commits to Miami Track
Kevin Snyder' 19 made an impact for Christ School Track and Field immediately as a freshman, but with help from Head Coach Randy Ashley and Demeseh Cobb, he transformed himself into an All-American jumper and one of the most decorated athletes in North Carolina. He will take that experience and compete at the Division I level next year. Snyder committed to the University of Miami on Monday, accepting a full athletic scholarship that will allow him to compete in the ACC for the next four years.
A five-time individual NCISAA State Champion (3x Long Jump, 2x Triple Jump), six-time school record holder and four-time All-American, Snyder helped the Greenies win their first NCISAA State Championship since 1990 last spring by scoring 30 points by himself.
"Christ School has been such an important part of my life. I came to Christ School with athletic goals, but the school has helped transform me into the student-athlete I am today. I'm not sure where I would be without it," said Snyder when asked about Christ School's impact. "Academically, I had my struggles, but I have worked hard to improve. I really have to thank my advisor and mentor Bobby Long for his support and dedication to my success these past few years. From setting up my visits, calling coaches, to reviewing my essays, his help has been integral to my future."
Snyder had other options for the next level, with offers from Texas Tech, Clemson, Baylor, and N.C. State, but he chose Miami for its program, familial atmosphere, and the coaching staff. "The University of Miami program is an up-and-coming one on the men's side. The women have been winning ACC Championships for the past decades, but the men's side is now fully-funded and ready to make a splash. The coaching staff, with Hall of Fame Coach Amy Deem and my future Jump Coach, Robert Jarvis, is amazing. My future teammates made my visit special and I felt like I could myself as a Hurricane. The warm weather doesn't hurt either."
Snyder will look to repeat as an All-American on the Indoor Track this winter, ultimately competing at the New Balance Indoor Nationals in New York City in March where he finished third in both jumps last year. Then in May, he will look to complete the 4-peat in the Long Jump and 3-peat in the Triple Jump at the NCISAA Championships.
Snyder is appreciative of the coaching he has gotten at Christ School.
"Coach Randy Ashley and Demeseh Cobb have been there from Day 1 for me," he said. "Under their tutelage and guidance, I have improved dramatically. I haven't always been the easiest to deal with, but they get the best out of me each and every day. I am eternally grateful to them."
