Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, one of the brightest stars in American sprinting, returned to her South Carolina roots this weekend to host her fourth annual Track and Field Youth Development Clinic in Myrtle Beach. The event, now a cherished tradition in her hometown community, brought together hundreds of young athletes eager to learn, dream, and run under the guidance of one of their own.
For Jefferson-Wooden, this clinic is more than just a day of drills and races — it’s about giving back, inspiring the next generation, and reminding every child in attendance that greatness can be born anywhere, even in the smallest of towns. “Carvers Bay literally shaped me into who I am,” she said passionately. “Having that underdog mentality — that you don’t have to pick me, I’ll pick myself — that’s what made me.”
Those words perfectly capture the spirit that has defined her journey from a humble upbringing in Georgetown County to the global stage of track and field. Jefferson-Wooden, a graduate of Carvers Bay High School, knows firsthand what it means to fight for recognition and opportunity. In a sport where funding, facilities, and exposure often dictate success, she built her career through sheer determination and resilience. Her story has become a source of pride and motivation for countless young athletes across South Carolina and beyond.
The Myrtle Beach clinic, organized in collaboration with local coaches and sponsors, featured a full day of training sessions, motivational talks, and mentorship activities. Kids as young as eight got the chance to sprint, jump, and learn proper technique from Jefferson-Wooden and her team of professional coaches. But beyond the physical skills, the emphasis was on discipline, confidence, and self-belief — qualities Jefferson-Wooden credits for her rise to the top.
“I want these kids to understand that talent is only part of it,” she told the crowd. “You have to believe in yourself even when no one else does. You have to show up, work hard, and keep going.”
Parents and local leaders praised her continued commitment to the community, noting that many elite athletes move away and rarely look back. But Jefferson-Wooden has remained deeply connected to her roots, often returning to mentor students at Carvers Bay and contribute to local youth programs. Her clinic has grown each year, attracting not only young athletes but also regional coaches and scouts who see it as a hub for developing future talent.
This year’s edition also featured a special Q&A session where Jefferson-Wooden shared her personal experiences — from balancing academics and athletics to dealing with setbacks and pressure on the international stage. Her humility and openness resonated deeply with the attendees.
As the clinic wrapped up, one thing was clear: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden isn’t just a champion on the track — she’s a champion for her community. Her words, “I’ll pick myself,” continue to echo as a message of empowerment for every young dreamer who feels overlooked or underestimated.
From Carvers Bay to Myrtle Beach and beyond, Jefferson-Wooden’s story serves as a living testament that with heart, hard work, and faith, anyone — no matter where they come from — can rise, shine, and give back.
Be the first to comment