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cavalier profile Jordan Lavender Second-Year • Track & Field Second-year sprinter Jordan Lavender is no stranger to championships, having cruised to 10 state titles in high school. Even after claiming her first ACC championship in April with a personal-best 52.95 in the 400 meters, though, Lavender readily acknowledged the numerous challenges that come with competing at a new level. "The transition from high school to college was kind of big," she said. "In high school, I really didn't have that much competition. When I went into the college world there was competition everywhere, which was a big obstacle — a different mindset. "I had to really make sure that I believed in myself and I believed in my coaching." Very soon upon arriving in Charlottesville, Lavender realized she would face challenges and have to make adjustments. Despite her high school success, the Nashville, Tenn., native was not considered a highly regarded recruit. Then head coach Jason Vigilante, whom she had committed to compete for, unexpectedly resigned. She did not flinch. Instead, by focusing on what she could control, she blossomed, and now appreciates new coach Bryan Fetzer. That same approach has helped her on the track. "You never know what is going to come in a race," Lavender said. "You don't know what lane you are going to be in or who you are going to be running against. You don't know if they are coming in injured or fresh. "You never know what the weather is going to do; the wind could be blasting on the back stretch. You have to think about all the things you do have and what you can bring to the table." A media studies major, Lavender said she is excited about fostering what she loves. "I am really interested in sports media, whether it is going to be journalism or broadcasting," said Lavender, who has done several video interviews of her teammates for VirginiaSports.com this year. "I can't see letting sports go once I graduate from college … I want to hold onto that." — Sean Corso ◆ Photo Matt Riley/courtesy UVa