- "I made Virginia Wesleyan my top choice because after visiting the campus I felt like I belonged. It's secure and the people are very helpful and nice"
- Selected VWU over Christopher Newport University, Concord University and Shenandoah University
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2017 ODAC Outdoor Champion - Shot Put
2016 ODAC Outdoor Champion - Shot Put
2016 All-South/Southeast Region - Shot Put
2016 ODAC Indoor Champion - Shot Put
2016 ODAC Field Athlete of the Week (Indoor) - Week 3
Junior (2016-17): (Indoor) Competed in the shot put and weight throw… Finished fourth in the shot put (36’ 10.25”) and weight throw (40’ 2”) in the ODAC Championship… (Outdoor) Competed in the shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin… Set a personal best in the javelin while finishing second at the Commonwealth Duals with a heave of 61’ 8”… Won the shot put at the Battleground Relays… Claimed the ODAC shot put title with a distance of 39’ 11.5”… Set a new best with a distance of 103’ 2” in the discus at the Liberty Collegiate Invite… Tossed the hammer 123’ 7” for a new personal best at the New Captains Classic & Combined.
Sophomore (2015-16): (Indoor) Competed in the shot put and weight throw in the indoor season… Set the school record in the shot put (38’ 7”) and weight throw (38’ 9.75”) in the indoor season, while winning the shot at the ODAC Championships… (Outdoor) Won the shotput in the outdoor season at the W&L Carnival (37’ 2.25”) and the ODAC Championships (38’ 6.75”)… Set the outdoor school record in the shot put with a heave of 38’ 9.5” at the Commonwealth Duals, and in the hammer throw with a toss of 105’ 1” at the New Captains Classic.
Freshman (2014-15): (Indoor) Immediately proved to be one of the best young throwers in the conference… Finished second in the ODAC Indoor Championships with a 36’ 9.75” heave in the shot put… Placed fourth in the shot at the Liberty Open in January… (Outdoor) Won the Dr. Harry Jopson Track and Field Invite with a 34’ 9.5” throw in the shot put… Finished second in the shot at the ODAC Outdoor Championships while setting a season best of 37’ 10”.
Academic Accomplishments: Presidential Scholarship recipient.
Before VWU: Competed in track, basketball, and cheerleading… Placed third in the shot put competition in the Virginia Group 2A State championships as a senior with a heave of 36 feet, 1.5 inches… Personal best shot put: 39-2… Set the school record in the shot… Helped guide Clarke County to back-to-back Bull Run District titles… First team all-district, all-region and all-area in track… Clarke County's female high point scorer in track as a senior… Most Dedicated Award recipient for the 2012-13 season… Recipient of the Charles E. Lutman Coaches Award for hard work and dedication in track… Honor Student… Member of Student Council… Competed for the Cheer Eruption All-Star cheerleaders.
Personal: Daughter of Paula and Louis Yates Jr… Has one sister, Brittany, who studied at Potomac State College and Everest College.
Get to Know Michelle
- Enjoys country, rhythm and blues, and pop music, pizza, and vacation time in Virginia Beach
- Favorites include the novel "To Kill A Mockingbird," the movie "Remember the Titans," and the TV series "Pretty Little Liars"
- A fan of basketball's Candace Parker, football's Pittsburgh Steelers, and actress Sandra Bullock
- Career goal after graduation from VWC: "to have a nice job and successful career"
- Self-description in 10 words or less: "outgoing, fun, responsible, reliable, nice"
- My favorite aspect of being an athlete is: "the love and passion of being able to compete in the sport, the feel and enjoyment of the people around men, how excited my teammates, family members and coaches get when we achieve something great"
- The part of my game I've improved the most is: "my confidence and passion"
- My personal athletic goal at VWC is: "to become a successful student-athlete"
- If I could spend one day with a famous person from any time period it would be: "Whitney Houston. She was an amazing singer and a beautiful person, and I think she could have been really successful in life"
- It's the year 2030 and: "I'm living in a healthy environment and have a successful job"
- People might be surprised to know: "I'm really shy when it comes to meeting new people"
- The most important advice I've received is: "adapt and overcome the situation, and remember to always wear a smile no matter what"
