Lakecia Ealey is never satisfied.
The senior is a three-time All-American, but she wants more.
While the sprinter has had success throughout her career at UF, it has all come as a member of the 4x100-meter relay team.
"My goal this year is to become an All-American as an individual," Ealey said.
Up to this point in the season, she has done all she can to make that dream a reality.
Through the first two meets, Ealey has already racked up two first-place finishes and two second-place finishes, and she will have a chance to add more to that list Saturday when the No.11 Gators travel to Lexington, Ky. for the Rod McCravy Memorial meet.
"She is a tremendous competitor," Coach Mike Holloway said. "She wants to be the best."
Ealey has fought injuries to both hamstrings during her career, and for the first time since her freshman season, she is finally healthy. Ealey credits that as having a big impact on her success this season.
Holloway believes Ealey's hardworking nature has led to a great start to 2008.
"Lakecia has had the success she has this season because she comes out everyday, works hard and does all of the things that we ask her to do," Holloway said.
Ealey said Holloway's coaching has helped her take the next step as a sprinter.
"Coach Holloway does a great job of working one on one with each athlete," Ealey said. "That has made a big difference for me this year."
Ealey is determined to be an All-American this season, and Holloway expects her to do just that.
"My challenge to her this fall was to go out everyday and prepare like a champion, and that is exactly what she has done," Holloway said.
While Ealey hopes that she is able to finish her senior season as an All-American, it is not her only goal. She says being a finalist at the NCAA indoor championships would be a dream come true. Ealey is aiming for a top-three finish.
Holloway believes that Saturday's meet will be an opportunity for Ealey and the rest of the squad to test themselves.
"This weekend is a chance for us to compete against some great competition," Holloway said. "It's a chance for us to go up against some of the best teams in the country."
As most of the squad travels to Lexington, the team's multi-event specialists will head to Nampa, Idaho, this weekend for the United Heritage Invitational hosted by Boise State.
