Graduate student Santerrius Barlow, a member of the Xavier University of Louisiana Athletics Track Team, earned his fifth National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American Athlete title in track and field during the 2022 indoor season. Barlow is the first All-American athlete the university has seen in this sport since 2004. Although Barlow works hard as an athletic competitor, he applies the same work ethic to his studies as he strives to destigmatize mental health for Black boys and men through Mental Health Counseling.
Barlow grew up in Griffin, Georgia, a small town south of Atlanta, where he developed a love of playing sports. Though a track star, Barlow’s favorite sport is basketball, and he began working on his career as an athlete at the age of nine.
“I’ve always been faster than everyone I’ve been around,” said Barlow as he reflected on the transition to track and field. “God gave me the natural talent of speed, and He knew running would just come naturally to me rather than playing a skilled sport like basketball.”
After graduating from Spalding High School, Barlow obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, where he earned his first three All-American titles. Barlow decided to continue his academic and athletic careers by joining Xavier’s track and field team while pursuing a master’s in mental health counseling.
“I chose mental health counseling because I grew up feeling unwanted. The more I experienced in life, I started to understand there are a lot of people who could relate to how I felt,” said Barlow.
Barlow, who is in his second year of Xavier’s program, qualified for the final round at nationals, guaranteeing him an All-American title as one of the top-ten placing athletes. He placed second in the men’s 200-meter heat.
Barlow always makes sure that his faith, mental fortitude, and work ethic are aligned during academics and on the track.
“I believe through my faith that by putting God first, mentally trusting that He will work things out, and physically applying myself and continuing to train are my three keys to success,” said Barlow.
Though no stranger to success, Barlow does not allow himself to relish the win as he keeps his eyes on his goals of providing for his family and the possibility of a professional athletic career.
“All I think about is my family back home; I have dreams of taking them on all-expenses paid vacations and that all their needs are taken care of,” said Barlow. “I am one of the first from my family that had the opportunity to go to college, let alone pursue a master’s degree, so I want to bless them the same way God blessed me [to] have these experiences.”
Through his experience as a student and track athlete, Barlow stated that he has learned lessons that he will carry with him throughout the rest of his life journey.
“Track has taught me to never doubt God and that you must walk by faith and not by sight,” said Barlow. “My life is an example; going from feeling unwanted or unloved to being surrounded by people who you inspire is all I ever wanted.”
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