Sanai Phillips, a dedicated track and field athlete specializing in multi-events and hurdles, stands at 5'6" and hails from Fayetteville, NC. A proud graduate of Seventy-First High School in 2022, Sanai excelled both academically and athletically, graduating 7th in her class with a 4.0 GPA and participating in track & field and volleyball. She is currently a junior at Fayetteville State University, majoring in Psychology, and has earned a spot on the Fall 2024 3.0 Honor Wall.
Sanai's journey has been marked by resilience and determination. After having a child during her sophomore year of college, she found a renewed sense of purpose and belonging at FSU. Her son is her greatest inspiration, driving her to be the best version of herself. Sanai's favorite sports memory is winning the Junior Olympics in the multi-events multiple times. Beyond athletics, she enjoys singing, dancing, acting, drawing, watching Netflix, and baking.
Sanai has also been recognized for her leadership and community involvement. She was a member of the Women of Class, National Art Honor Society, and National Honors Society in high school. Additionally, she served as the President of Student to Student, a program for military dependent students.
Family plays a significant role in Sanai's life. Her parents, Danielle and Terrance Phillips, are both alumni of Penn State University. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in her success. Sanai's mother, Danielle, has been a role model, demonstrating the importance of education and perseverance. Her father, Terrance, has always encouraged her athletic pursuits and academic goals.
Growing up in Fayetteville, Sanai had a childhood filled with diverse experiences. She was actively involved in various sports from a young age, showing a natural talent and passion for athletics. Her parents encouraged her to explore different activities, which led her to excel in both track & field and volleyball. Sanai also developed a love for the arts, participating in school plays and art projects. Her involvement in the community and school programs, such as the National Art Honor Society and Women of Class, helped shape her into a well-rounded individual.
Sanai aspires to become a Speech Language Pathologist and open her own practice after graduation, inspired by the strong foundation her family has provided and her own experiences growing up.
