To Tristan LaVan, transferring to UCA meant an opportunity to showcase his talents on the track. Since then, he’s made it clear that he won’t waste his opportunity. 

LaVan, 23, joined the UCA men’s track team in the fall of 2020, leaving behind Coffeyville Community College to advance his career as a college athlete. “A kid coming out of junior college saw this as a next step,” LaVan said, a big leap from his introduction to track in the 6th grade.

“Track means a lot to me,” he said. “My mom ran track in college, so it kind of bounced onto me.”

LaVan was born into a family of athletes. Growing up, he said, he and his six siblings, all of whom are student-athletes, would compete at home. “My family is very encouraging and has always been ten toes behind me,” he said. He is motivated by the love and support he has received from his family, as well as his faith in God.

“My first race ever was the 800,” he said. “My speed wasn’t fully developed, but I had a lot of endurance.” 

In his freshman year of high school, LaVan “fell fully in love with track,” after seeing progress in his body and speed. He has continued to grow in sprint versatility throughout the years. Though he mainly runs in the 400-meter race, he has experience in the 200 meter, the 4×1 and the 4×4. 

LaVan has grown immensely throughout his college track career, but it has not come easily. 

In November of 2020, just months after his transfer to UCA, a hamstring injury put LaVan out of practice for two months during the off-season. Though shaken by this injury, he did not falter. 

“I didn’t have the most confidence because I was scared to pull my hamstring again,” LaVan said. “My pops helped me during that journey. He called me every day, making sure I didn’t get discouraged or lose confidence,” he said. “So each meet, I got better and better.”

Confidence, as defined by LaVan, means believing in yourself against all odds. It’s the feeling he gets while running a race with his family watching from the stands. 

“Confidence is key,” he said. “I don’t worry about who I’m running against, I play my music and just calm my mind.” 

“I give every practice 100% effort and push myself to be better each day,” LaVan said, and his efforts paid off a year after his injury. 

In December of 2021, LaVan broke the UCA Men’s 600-meter record with a time of 1:19:31, and he’s not done yet. “I will be breaking the men’s 400-meter indoor record pretty soon, as well,” he said. 

LaVan is confident in his upcoming senior season. “It’s all about trusting the process,” he said. He predicts he will run a 46.4 in the indoor 400-meter race and a 21.2 in the 200. For outdoor races, he predicts a 45.6 and a 20.7. 

“The work everyone put in is good, we just need to stay confident and also have fun,” LaVan said.“This year feels like conference winning season.”

LaVan will be racing with his team this week at the Arkansas Qualifier in Fayetteville on Friday.