Without a start, there is no finish line; The story behind Tiara’s record-breaking success on the track
Mary Margaret Flook, Staff Writer
Her fingertips are right at the line, her head is down, and her feet are set in the blocks. All is quiet, except her inner anticipation for the sound of the gun to go off. She waits… The official calls set and she slowly lifts her core, preparing her for takeoff. The official fires the gun and she immediately drives forward. The clock counts up until it hits 7.68 seconds.
Tiara Cox crosses the finish line as North Greenville University’s track and field record holder for the 60m dash.
Cox has had a successful indoor track season this year, beating her own personal records each time she steps foot on the track. She began her indoor track season at the Clemson Opener, running 7.88, followed by the Mondo College Invitational where she ran 7.83, the Carolina Challenge where she clocked in at 7.70, and finally the South Carolina Invitational where she ran her fastest time of 7.68. (To see Cox’s progression, click here.)
She is currently ranked fourth in the conference. Cox is also just two hundredth seconds off from reaching the provisional mark of 7.66 seconds, which could potentially allow her to make it to indoor nationals.
As a 60m sprinter, Cox understands how important the start of a race is. Every race has a start and a finish. Every story has a beginning.
Tiara Cox was born in Greenville, South Carolina and her track story began at just 6 years old. She ran alongside her twin sister Ciara, and older siblings Zephaniah and Zoria. As kids, the Cox track crew ran for teams like Runnin’ on Faith, and Greer All Stars.
Cox’s track journey was put on pause when the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee for several years. Yet upon return, Cox continued to run.
Cox enrolled at Eastside high school and became a part of the track team. She had little focus her freshman year of track. She said, “I was just playing around. Like I didn’t think I wanted to go nowhere with track.” Yet, that mindset would soon change.
Her sophomore year of track coach Mathew Haley came onto the scene. When describing Cox as a sophomore in high school, he said that she had potential and talent, she just needed more focus and direction. “The talent was always there,” said Haley.
Cox grew in confidence when she became the only girl on her team to make it to the high school state championships. Being at the state meet, “She realized she could do it,” said Haley.
“She developed a focus to match her want to be great,” said Haley.
Cox was more than just a sprinter according to coach Haley. “She was not only our best sprinter, but our hardest worker. She showed up every day with purpose to get better. She held others accountable,” said Haley.
Unfortunately, Cox’s junior track season was affected by COVID-19. Despite this setback, senior year she became even more serious about track. She was ready to go to the next level.
When asked about what inspired Cox, she said it was her dad. “He showed that he cared and wanted better for me,” Cox said.
Soon the page would be turning and Cox would become a collegiate athlete at North Greenville University.
Several colleges gave Cox offers but she ultimately chose NGU. She liked how it was a small Christian school, where she could focus on track and school.
Her brother, Zephaniah, a former member of NGU’s track team, helped pave the way for Cox to be introduced to the track and field coaches.
Cameron Stober, the head coach of the track team was thankful for the connection. “Her being a local girl from Eastside, we were able to see her run and we were glad when she said she was gonna come,” said Stober.
According to Stober, the track team has gone a long time without having anyone strong in the short sprints and Cox was able to come in and fill that hole for the team.
Coach Lane Fletcher, the assistant coach at the time, was also able to see Cox compete at one of her track meets. His first impression being, “dang, she’s short”. Yet, her height had little to do with her talent. “When I saw her do the 4x400m in the region championships, I knew she’d be a team player,” said Fletcher.
Fletcher got the privilege to coach Cox her freshman year at NGU before leaving to continue his coaching career at Lee University. When describing Cox, Fletcher said, “She’s a practice warrior. She’s going to give you whatever she’s got that day.”
When speaking about Cox’s current success, Fletcher said, “I saw this coming. I fully expect her to hit the provisional mark as she goes into the conference meet.” Fletcher said, “She has a little ways to go to make it to the national meet. I don’t put it past her.”
Cox continues to train under Coach Nicholas Douglass, who began coaching at NGU January of this year. Douglas describes Cox as being an athlete who brings a really exciting personality to practice. Douglass says he thinks Cox has the potential to take it even further.
Cox continues to grow as an athlete. When comparing her freshman year to her sophomore year, she explains how as a freshman she used to overthink everything. Now she tells herself to just run and to have fun.
“I think I have a better mindset this year with training,” Cox said.
The indoor conference track meet will take place February 19 and 20, where Cox is likely to score significant points for her team. She may just break her record again bringing her closer to a chance at the national meet.
Going forward past indoor season into outdoor season, head coach Stober hopes Cox continues to stay healthy, have fun, stays relaxed and free. Stober is excited to see what Cox may do in the outdoor 100m dash… But that may just be another record-breaking story.
For more information on the Conference Carolinas indoor track and field championship follow this link.
