Yanique Booth was named the assistant cross country and track and field coach in August of 2011.
“I’m very excited about having coach Booth with our program,” said head coach Brian Hagopian. “I think she brings a lot of excitement. Her knowledge in the sprints and hurdles are going to bring a different element to the team. Along with our schedule coming up this year and the success we’ve had in years past, I think she’s going to really help develop our skills and discipline.”
Booth, a Florida Atlantic University graduate is responsible for coaching sprints, hurdles and relays and also plays a major role in recruiting.
The 2013-2014 seasons was a productive year for the sprints, hurdles, relays and the entire program. Booth directed the sprinters to 10 new personal records, three of which were close to IAAF world ranking, and three school records. In addition there were qualifiers in the 100-meter, 200m and 400m events, respectively for the 2014 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field championships in Michigan. She also helped guided the track and field program to its first ever top-10 ranking on the NCAA Division II national list and a third-place finish for both the men’s and women’s teams at the Peach Belt Conference Championship.
Prior to arriving at NSU, Booth left remarkable achievements at her alma mater FAU. She left her mark on the Sunbelt Conference as she set the conference record in the 55-meter hurdles. Additionally, she held eight school records at FAU during her tenure. She was a four-time NCAA regional qualifier in the hurdles and received the FAU award for most outstanding athlete.
Booth gained professional and international experience in the sprints and hurdles. The former top-10 ranked hurdler, competed in several locations in Asia, the Carribean and North America. While making her debut on the professional scene, Booth was under the guidance of several former Olympians and world-known Usain Bolt coaching staff. During that time, she earned recognition in the IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation) world-ranking for the hurdles. She was also a finalist in the 2009 World Championship Trials. She also competed at the 2008 Olympic Trials in the 100-meter hurdles and the 100-meter dash. In addition, she later moved on to become a National Representative at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India and the CAC (Central American Championships) games in Puerto Rico.
During the 2012-13 season, Booth guided the sprints and hurdles competitors to 16 personal records (PR), six conference champions, five school records, Peach Belt Conference Athlete of the Year Jessica Osteen and Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year Ciona Williams. She also guided six athletes to the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Talyn Washington, Jessica Osteen, Monica Sapp, Ciona Williams, Johniqua Stafford and Nicole Poole. In addition, she also helped guide the women’s and men’s team to a second and third place finish at their first Peach Belt Conference Championship.
Booth comes to NSU after a stint as a coach at St. Andrews High School in Boca Raton, Fla. Over two seasons, Booth worked with high school track athletes on flexibility and strength and conditioning.
Using her experience, as a former sprinter and hurdler, Booth continues to strive in helping guide both the men’s and women’s track and cross country programs to be the best-known nationally and internationally. A native of Kingston, Jamaica Booth resides in the Broward county area with her husband.
