We were lucky to catch up with Tobenna Attah recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tobenna, thanks for joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?
At 15 years old, my summer was filled with AAU track meets, each one a new adventure. Back then, before GPS apps were widely used, my parents relied on printed MapQuest directions to navigate the sprawling highways of Texas. We’d pile into the car, armed with highlighted maps, cold water, and a sense of determination, traveling hours to stadiums in cities we’d never been to. These trips weren’t always smooth. Wrong turns, missed exits, and last-minute course corrections were part of the journey. But through it all, my parents’ unwavering support kept me motivated.
Eventually, I started competing in national championship meets across the country, but one particular race from those early years stood out. That summer, I was determined to break 49 seconds in the 400-meter dash before my 16th birthday. My coaches assured me that I would get the attention of college recruiters after achieving this goal.
The training was brutal. The Texas heat bore down relentlessly, and the track surface felt like hotplates under my spikes. Every practice with Coach Juanita and Coach Grant tested my limits, yet every training session brought me closer to my goal.
Finally, during one unforgettable meet, I crossed the finish line in under 49 seconds. Exhausted and exhilarated, I collapsed into a random folding camp chair under the bleachers. As I was catching my breath after the race, I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by gratitude. I prayed, thanking God for giving me the strength to push through the struggles. I felt a deep sense of peace at that moment, knowing the Lord was guiding my path.
That race wasn’t just a win; it was a turning point. It led to opportunities to compete at Cornell University and later to have an exhibit in the Irving Sports Hall of Fame. But more than the accolades, it was the journey. Those long road trips, the scorching heat, and the quiet prayers. It all taught me about perseverance, faith, and the power of family. Those lessons shaped the person I am today and remain with me in everything I do.
Tobenna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a college professor, I find immense fulfillment in contributing to student success through proactive advising and tailored teaching. There’s something incredibly rewarding about guiding students toward their academic goals and watching their confidence grow. With their curiosity and drive for self-improvement, college students often remind me of my time working with athletes. Whether as a Team Captain or a Board Member of the Cornell Track Association, empowering others has always been at the heart of what I do.
Leadership in athletics requires more than just skill; it’s about fostering a sense of community, mentoring others, and inspiring them to reach their full potential. These same principles guide me in the classroom, where I strive to create an environment that encourages critical thinking and collaboration. Just as I once motivated teammates to push through grueling practices or challenging races, I now encourage students to persevere through their academic journeys.
Earning an exhibit in the Irving Sports Hall of Fame feels like a culmination of those intertwined experiences. The exhibit chronicles my journey from a high school athlete in Texas to a collegiate competitor, capturing moments that shaped my path. Knowing that it might inspire young athletes from my hometown fills me with pride. It’s a reminder of the enduring impact of mentorship, whether on the track or in the classroom. I invite your readers to visit the Irving Archives and Museum Sports Hall of Fame, where you can explore my story and learn about Irving, TX’s rich history.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Success in athletics goes beyond just training and knowledge; it is also about developing strong interpersonal skills and mastering the art of networking. These abilities can open doors to opportunities you might not even know exist. Much like a college head coach needs to excel at recruiting, young athletes need to learn how to be recruited. That journey begins with making yourself known in meaningful and strategic ways.
When I was a high school student-athlete, I created athletic profiles on college recruiting websites and uploaded race videos to YouTube, hoping to catch coaches’ attention. While these efforts helped, I have realized that directly reaching out to coaches would have been even more impactful. Calling or emailing a coach to ask where they source talent or what qualities they value in athletes can provide valuable insights and demonstrate initiative. Coaches appreciate genuine conversations and the effort to build a connection.
If you are a young athlete aspiring to earn recognition, perhaps even a Hall of Fame exhibit one day, know that this path is achievable with the right mindset and a willingness to grow. Building relationships with coaches, teammates, and mentors is just as important as excelling in athletics. It is through these connections that opportunities arise, guidance is shared, and your potential is recognized.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Diana Kander’s book All in Startup completely reshaped my perspective on management and entrepreneurial thinking. When I first picked it up, I expected a straightforward guide to business, but I was pleasantly surprised by its compelling narrative. The story of the fictional character Owen Chase, a struggling entrepreneur trying to save his business, is captivating and filled with practical lessons on lean entrepreneurship. One piece of advice found on page 58 has stayed with me: “People don’t buy visionary products. People buy solutions to their problems.” This simple yet profound truth highlights the importance of creating value by addressing real needs, a mindset just as crucial for athletes as it is for entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial thinking, like the kind Kander advocates, equips athletes to take charge of their careers. Proactively contacting college coaches to learn what they value in their student-athletes is a great example of solving a real problem. It ensures visibility to decision-makers and aligns with the entrepreneurial spirit of identifying challenges and creating opportunities.
The YouTube channel Total Running Productions has also become an invaluable resource for me. Its in-depth coverage of track & field news, athlete performances, and behind-the-scenes stories provides insights I wish had been available when I was competing. I highly recommend it to athletes, coaches, athletic directors, and fans who are eager to learn and stay informed.
As I reflect on my Irving Sports Hall of Fame recognition, I see a consistent theme. Success often stems from a commitment to continuous learning and innovation. Whether in athletics, business, or education, these resources have reinforced my belief that meaningful growth is achieved by embracing knowledge and using it to make a positive impact.
Contact Info:
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