Over the next two weeks, we will honor 17 members of the Youngstown State men's and women's track and field teams who's careers ended abruptly due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Our third group to be recognized is the female sprinters.
Below you can read about what Iva Domitrovich, Lakneesha Matthews and Jasmine Smyles have each accomplished in their career's and quotes from the coaching staff.
Iva Domitrovich
Iva is a native of McDonald, Ohio, and is majoring in exercise science at Youngstown State. During her career, Domitrovich has been one of the most consistent performers at the Horizon League Championships by earning nine top-10 finishes. Her best finish came at the 2019 Horizon League Indoor Championships when she took third in the 400m dash with a personal-best time of 57.10 seconds. Domitrovich's 400m time ranks ninth in program history and she was also member on the 4x400m relay team that set the school record back in 2018.
Coach David Townsend said, "Iva was one of the top 200m and 400m athletes in the Horizon League during her career. She was a standout both on the track and in the classroom. She exemplified excellence in all aspects and was a total team leader who left her mark on the program. Iva was the ultimate competitor and will be missed by her teammates and coaching staff."
Coach Brian Gorby and Coach Nicole Kent-Strollo said, "This one is tough! Words can't express our admiration for this young lady. Iva Domitrovich IS "YSU Track & Field" and we will miss her greatly! We have no doubt she will continue to do amazing things!"
Lakneesha Matthews
Lakneesha is a native of Oakland Park, Fla., and is majoring in biology/pre-medical at Youngstown State. While Lakneesha has battled injuries during her time at YSU her best performance came during the 2018 outdoor season when she finished seventh in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:08.14 at the Horizon League Championships.
Coach Townsend said, "Lakneesha is a tireless worker that maximized her potential at the 2018 Horizon League Outdoor Championships. She is an accomplished student-athlete who overcame physical obstacles on a daily basis to compete and perform well on the track and in the classroom."
Coach Gorby and Coach Kent-Strollo said, "A true "student" athlete! I know we will be in good hands with "Dr. Matthews" on the front line! We are so incredibly proud!"
Jasmine Smyles
Jasmine is a native of Chicago, Ill., and is majoring in exercise science at Youngstown State. Smyles has competed in a number of events at the Horizon League Championships and ran as the second leg on the distance medley relay team that took fourth at the 2018 indoor championships.
Coach Townsend said, "Jasmine helped the team numerous times as a member of the 4x400 meter relay. Jasmine is an athlete that always gave 100 percent. Her efforts in the classroom and on the track are the components that allow her to excel in everything she pursues."
Coach Gorby and Coach Kent-Strollo said, "The perfect name for this incredibly special person. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with someone who has given so much to YSU!"
