Jaylen Lindsey continuing family legacy as a high level student-athlete on the Suncoast

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - This week’s ABC7 Athlete of the Week is Southeast High School’s (SEHS) Jaylen Lindsey. He’s a junior and star student athlete out on the track for the Seminoles.

His 11th grade season is over after recently competing in states, and finishing on sixth place for the Class 3A. Going into the tournament he had no doubt he would perform well on this stage.

“Growing as an athlete is a pretty tough battle,” Lindsey said. “This year and last year have been wake up calls for me. I want to come out here and do something great.”

Overall, Lindsey tells ABC7 that he’s pleased with his progress throughout the season. “I PR’d in the long jump,” Lindsey said. “I went to States [last year] for 7.12 meter long jump. This year I PR’d with a 7.28. That’s a little progression for me.”

Lindsey has been building his own legacy as a student-athlete on the Suncoast, but his family has a history of this. His father was a football player many years ago for the Manatee Hurricanes. Lindsey says he takes great pride in carrying out his family’s name on the Suncoast.

“I’m just coming out here to do the best that I can,” Lindsey said. “I’m coming out here as a top athlete ranked in the state. I’m trying to get to No. 1. That’s all.”

One area that Lindsey has really grown in is leadership. His coach, Trangila Martin, is noticing this too. “I talk to him a lot,” Martin said. “I encourage to stay focused, keep his head up, and don’t let anything disturb him or get in his way. Move forward.”

Now, it’s on to preparing for his final high school season. Lindsey wants everyone to take notice that he will be a name to watch.

“I’m ready to compete,” Lindsey said. “I’m ready to do big things. I’m ready to shock the world one day. I’m on the way and I’m on the way quick.”

Lindsey looks forward to returning for his senior year and claiming that first place prize or at least working towards it.