We are proud to welcome our newest Paradis Pro to the ambassador program, Cha'Mia Rothwell. Rothwell grew up in Durham, NC, and a love for sports and competition was instilled in her since childhood. From a young age, she enjoyed basketball, volleyball, and track and field, but by high school she decided to make track and field her sole focus. In doing so, she continued to improve her skills and cut down her times, winning multiple titles at her high school, Durham Academy. One of these titles was the 200m state championship title which she held for 3 consecutive years, along with the 100m and high jump state championship title for a year. Rothwell was also named Most Outstanding Performer 4 times and twice in the overall conference.
When it came time for college, Rothwell decided to continue her track and field career at Dartmouth College, which she chose for its “strong balance between athletics and academics.” During her time at Dartmouth, she broke several records and acquired various accolades for her performances. She became the third woman ever to win the indoor Heps 60m hurdle for four years straight and left Dartmouth holding nine career Ivy League Heptagonal Championship titles, along with other numerous academic and athletic records. In addition, her exceptional performances throughout her collegiate career earned her the Class of 1976 Award two years in a row - an award given to the female athlete of the year. She also served as the team captain for her junior and senior year and was awarded the 2019 Class of 1948 Scholar-Athlete Award.
In March 2020, Rothwell’s final spring season was cut short due to the pandemic. However, was given the opportunity to return to her hometown and continue her running career at Duke University while studying at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. Upon arrival, Rothwell hit the ground running, breaking the school record in the 100m hurdles not once, but twice! She continued to set the bar high, setting new records and winning various events during her one year there. Although she was there for only a short time, Rothwell’s hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed as she became an All-American for the first time in her career.
The list of Rothwell’s athletic accomplishments and honors are endless, but more important is the impression she has left on her teammates and other young female athletes. She is now serving as a volunteer assistant coach for Duke’s Track and Field team while she continues to train for a post collegiate career herself. Rothwell is helping young athletes elevate their game and showing them the value of leadership, hard work, resilience, and determination that were all hallmarks of her incredible college career. By sharing her time and knowledge as a coach and mentor she is giving back to the sport she loves. We truly admire Rothwell's generosity, dedication, and passion for sport and feel fortunate to have her join the Paradis Sport team.
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