Week after week, the student-athletes of Morgan State University continue to excel, not only in competition but also in the classroom and beyond. The 'Beneath the Surface Spotlight' provides a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary student-athletes, revealing the human stories behind their athletic achievements. These individuals are not only exceptional athletes but also outstanding scholars, leaders, and role models for generations to come.
Tehya Purifoy
Acrobatics and Tumbling
Class: Junior
Hometown: Lithia Springs, Ga.
Major: Computer Science
Tehya Purifoy, currently a junior at Morgan State University, made a significant impact in her inaugural season with the Acrobatics and Tumbling team. Hailing from Lithia Springs, Georgia, Purifoy has distinguished herself not only through her exceptional performances on the mat but also by maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA during the previous semester. Her dual achievements in both athletics and academics underscore her dedication and exemplary work ethic.
Purifoy's athletic journey traces back to her formative years in competitive cheerleading, a pursuit she engaged in from elementary school through high school. Her early experiences in cheerleading laid a solid foundation for her future athletic endeavors. It was not until she crossed paths with Regina Smith, the head coach of the Acrobatics and Tumbling team at Morgan State University, that Purifoy was introduced to the sport of Acrobatics and Tumbling.
This meeting marked a pivotal moment in her athletic career. Despite receiving multiple offers from other programs during her high school years, Purifoy chose to embrace the opportunity to join the Acrobatics and Tumbling team at Morgan State. This decision reflects her commitment to continuing her journey as an athlete as well as a student and exploring new challenges within the realm of competitive sports.
Student Life
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What is your major? - I am a Computer Science Major. Once I saw, like, I'm pretty good with computers, so why not give it a try and make a career out of it? So I changed it, literally, the first day of school.
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What is some advice you would give to incoming freshmen? - Come in with a slight of a plan, but be ready to change the plan if it is needed for your own personal reasons.
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What is your favorite experience here at Morgan? - The movie night that is hosted on the lawn by Thurgood Marshall Hall is probably one of my favorite events that I've experienced.
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How was the White House experience?- It was like going into the airport for real... like going through your bags. We had to go through a lot just to see a few rooms. But it was really nice and it looks exactly how it looks.
Pop Culture
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Favorite childhood cartoon character? - Fanboy and Chum Chum
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What is the most interesting place you've visited? - The White House
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Where would you like to visit? - Bora Bora
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If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Spiderman
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Favorite home-cooked meal? - Spaghetti
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Favorite tv show? Modern Family
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Three people you would have dinner with - My mom, dad and brother. We are so far apart now, I'm so used to being in the house. So the little chances I do get with them, it just means so much to me.
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Favorite breakfast cereal as a kid - Honeycomb
Sports
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You are carrying a legacy of being a part of the first Acrobatics and Tumbling team here at Morgan State how do you feel? - I feel greatly appreciated toward especially Coach [Smith], because she gave all of us the opportunity, not only to be able to attend college, but we're able to still produce our skills out on the floor that we've worked our entire lives.
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How are you and the team preparing to keep the momentum going this season? - One thing I would say, we're focusing more on change and doing better. We're learning from our mistakes and improving in our skills, and that's one thing that we've really been working on this year.
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How would you describe your role as a leader on the team? - This is my first year actually being a part of leadership. I'm part of a group and we're called tribe leaders.
Miscellaneous
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Most prized possession? - My Cheersport Nationals Jacket
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What do you do in your spare time? I am either with Ga'moni Gaskins, at home, or within the coach's office nine times out of ten.
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Person you admire the most? - My brother is in the military.
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Who is the funniest person on the team? - The team knows my personality is very goofy, but when it comes to the floor and wanting to switch it to be serious, that's when it's time to lock in. Let's win together and not separately.
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Best advice you ever received? - My dad was just like, never be scared, because when you're scared, that's when things go wrong. Always Be confident in what you have to do and finish strong, no matter how bad you may think the outcome may be, you got to keep going.
- What were your thoughts on coach smith? She was real sweet, so I wasn't close, close with her. And then freshman year, that's when I started to get closer to her. I just talked to her. She's like a mom, like behind closed doors. Aside from being a coach, I'm able to go to her and talk about anything.
🎙️ Khamani Anderson, MSU Athletics Communications intern contributed to this release.
🎥 Jake Bandoh, MSU Athletics Lead Production intern
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified
high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's
Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus
designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit
www.morgan.edu.
