Track and Field coach Lauryn Jordan is young enough to be mistaken for a student, but that’s what’s intended.
The coaching staff of the Delta College Mustangs are all young in hopes to connect with players on a deeper level, and make the team run at a Division I level, according to Jordan.
Born and raised in Stockton, Jordan came to Delta in her teenage years and volunteered her time in the Athletics Department.
Jordan said late coach Raydell Barkley was a big inspiration to her.
During her senior year in high school, Jordan went to state.
Barkley encouraged her to go to Delta for two years and then transfer out.
It was Barkley who provided the shoes and outfit needed to participate.
He also gave her guidance and direction.
Jordan went on to win four events at state and had nationwide acknowledgement from four-year institutions.
She chose the University of Oregon on a full scholarship and graduated with her bachelor’s degree.
For her, being a Coach here at Delta “means everything. To be able to reach young adults to have that influence, some students come in from single parent households, we can be that second parent.
Some come in with low self confidence, we can build that up, with no guidance we can give direction. It’s much deeper than track and field, but better human beings,” she said.
She said track and field is like a family, and for the students, it’s an instant support system of over 70 people.
The team went from having a handful of students wanting to participate to having to turn students away.
The team currently has a 90-percent transfer rate.
As for Delta College turning 50?
“I’m proud to give back, and it’s good to know that the school is still going strong,” she said.
