Jacksonville, Florida-Over the summer, Edward Waters Athletics will be highlighting the accomplishments of some of our former student-athletes who have gone on to do tremendous things away from their Alma mater with our "Alumni Athletics Spotlight". Our first spotlight features former two-sport student-athlete, multiple time former Gulf Coast Athletic Conference individual track & field champion, Class of 2015 Valedictorian, and current member of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Lynetta "Lynn" Cook, '15
Cook lettered in both women's volleyball and women's outdoor track and field over all four of her years at Edward Waters. She was most known for her prowess in track & field becoming one of the most decorated female field event competitors in the modern era history of the program. Cook took home four GCAC individual championships in the discus over her career, added a 2015 individual title in the shot put, and made an appearance at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 2015, earning top 20 finishes in both the discus and shot put.
Since her graduation from Dear Old Edward Waters in 2015, Cook has been an integral member of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office where she has found ways to give back to her community. In addition, she has not strayed far from athletics as she the officer coordinator for the Northside Branch of the Police Athletic League.
Today, we catch up with Cook as she talks about her experience at Edward Waters, how her Alma mater has prepared her for her career and life, and how family helped her through her collegiate career.
Q: First Question, Coming out of High School, what made Edward Waters the best place for you to continue your education?
A: "I chose to attend Edward Waters College as a chance to continue the legacy my mother set before me. My mother was a graduate of Edward Waters College, Class of '97 and I was honored to have the opportunity to follow in her footsteps. Hopefully, my future children can continue the legacy and attend as well."
Q: What are your fondest memories as a Student-Athlete at Edward Waters?
A: "My most fond memories as a Student-Athlete were the moments that I had with my teammates on trips and competitions. I enjoyed building friendships and lifelong relationships with all my teammates. We became more than just a team we became family."
Q: You were a two-sport student-athlete at EWC as a member of the track & field and volleyball programs. What was it like having to juggle both sports along with your academic responsibilities?
A: "I knew I had to be very focused and disciplined to be successful on the field, court, and in the classroom. I love a challenge so I was ready to take on the task before me and succeeded in the end. I truly live by the saying student-athlete, I teach my players that today. Sports can come and go but what you learn within the classroom no one could ever take that away. Knowlege is power."
Q: In addition to you, you had three other sisters who all were former student-athletes and alums of Edward Waters (Monecia Cook, Whittney & Brittney Neavins), all having played on the women's basketball team. What was it like having them to lean on as well during your time here?
A: "It was amazing to have all three of my sisters alongside me during my collegiate years. We all can now say we are all alumni of the great Edward Waters College. Being able to play on sports teams with a sibling is an extremely unique experience that many people don't get to have. I love the fact we were able to experience this. This experience allowed us to create more memories, build stronger bonds, and be able to be each other's biggest supporters. Many siblings go off to college and separate from their families, but it was an honor and a joy to have my family alongside me."
Q: You're now a member of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. How has that experience been for you?
A: "Being an officer for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life. I have an opportunity to impact and mentor over 500 kids in my current position. I enjoy working daily to build connections between law enforcement and the youth of our community."
Q: Since your graduation in 2015, Edward Waters has gone from College to University and the Athletic Deparment has gone from the NAIA to NCAA Division II level. As an alum, what has it been like to see the growth of your alma mater?
A: "I love the fact that Edward Waters is on the rise and she is finally getting her flowers. I believe growth is inevitable if you continue to water it. I feel like the best is yet to come and I can't wait to see what the future holds."
Q: Last Question: What advice do you have for current and future Tigers?
A: "The advice I would give to future and current Tigers would be to embrace your collegiate years, soak up the experience, yet remember to find that balance while doing so. I would tell students to remember that life is on the other side of the door only you know how much you have truly prepared for it. I would tell them to absorb as much knowledge and wisdom from those before them as long as they can."
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