Lanai Coleman, a junior majoring in psychology at Mercer University, achieved a remarkable feat by being named an All-American official at the 2023 NIRSA National Flag Football Championships. This accomplishment was the result of her dedication and hard work in the field of officiating, despite starting with no prior experience in the role. Her journey to becoming an All-American official is a testament to her determination and passion for sports.
When Coleman first started as an intramural sports official at Mercer, she set a goal for herself to be named an All-American official in flag football. This goal was inspired by her supervisor, who mentioned that Mercer had not had someone win All-American in flag football for a long time. Determined to make Mercer notable in the officiating scene again, Coleman worked tirelessly to improve her skills and knowledge in officiating.
During the 2023 NIRSA National Flag Football Championships held at Oklahoma State University, Coleman’s hard work paid off as she was named one of the top nine officials in the tournament, earning her the prestigious title of All-American. This achievement was particularly significant as Mercer was not a school known for producing All-American officials, making Coleman somewhat of an underdog in the competition.
Coleman’s success at the national championships also marked a milestone for Mercer University, as she became the first woman from the university to receive both a bid to the national championships and to be named an All-American official in flag football. Her achievement was celebrated by Todd Thomas, the director of recreational sports and wellness at Mercer, who recognized the significance of her accomplishment.
Throughout her journey to becoming an All-American official, Coleman received training and support from the recreational sports and wellness staff at Mercer. They provided her with the necessary skills and opportunities to officiate various sports, including flag football and basketball. Coleman’s experience officiating intramural sports and participating in tournaments helped her grow as an official and prepare for the national championships.
Officiating at the national championships was a nerve-wracking experience for Coleman, as she was judged by highly decorated individuals who had officiated college sports. Despite the pressure, Coleman found the experience to be humbling and inspiring, as it highlighted areas for growth and improvement in her officiating skills. This experience motivated her to continue officiating sports and strive for excellence in her role as an official.
Currently, Coleman serves as a program assistant for recreational sports and wellness at Mercer University, where she continues to officiate basketball and flag football. She also aims to encourage more students to get involved in officiating and participate in intramural sports. By sharing her story and experiences, Coleman hopes to inspire others to pursue their passion for sports and officiating while making a positive impact in the sports community.
In conclusion, Lanai Coleman’s journey to becoming an All-American official at the 2023 NIRSA National Flag Football Championships is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and passion for sports officiating. Her achievement not only brought recognition to Mercer University but also inspired others to pursue their goals and dreams in the field of sports officiating. Coleman’s story serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.