When Jamaican track & field fans were watching the first season of the Netflix series “Sprint” last year, one of the eye-opening moments was when head coach at Star Athletics, Dennis Mitchell, opened up about his desire to have the USA usurp Jamaica as the global sprinting powerhouse once again.

“Over the last few years, I’ve watched Jamaicans go 1-2-3. To have the Jamaicans be so dominant in the events that I coach is disheartening,” he stated.

Naturally, Jamaican fans, in light of those sentiments, were questioning the decision of one of the country’s most promising young sprinters, Alana Reid, to choose to join Mitchell’s Florida-based group to start her professional career.

Mitchell’s group also includes three members of the victorious USA Olympic 4x100m relay team, Sha’Carri Richardson, Twanisha Terry and Melissa Jefferson.

Reid had a solid 2024 season under Mitchell with her crowning moment coming with a pair of gold medals in the 100m and the 4x100m at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru.

She also competed in the 4x100m at the Olympics, helping Jamaica to a fifth-place finish.

Her season’s best last year came in April at the Miramar Invitational in Gainesville where she ran 11.09 for fourth.

Fast forward to 2025, Reid has now joined the University of Arkansas-based Hurdle Mechanics group coached by Lawrence “Boogie” Johnson.

Johnson’s accolades include 2024 USTFCCCA Indoor and Outdoor National Assistant Coach of the Year, 2019 USATF National Coach of the Year and 2013 USATF National Coach of the Year to name a few.

In Arkansas, the 19-year-old is also now training alongside a number of Jamaicans including the likes of Olympic champion Roje Stona and national record holders Ackera Nugent and Nickisha Pryce.

“Sometimes we just have to move around a bit to find out where we’re more comfortable. Me going to Florida was me on my own, wanting to experience something outside of Jamaica,” Reid told Sportsmax.tv at the RJRGleaner National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards ceremony on Friday.

She was rewarded for her performances in Lima and was the recipient of the VM Group Y.O.U.T.H award.

While admitting to feeling comfortable in Florida, Reid opened up about the difficulties she faced as the only Jamaican in her camp.

“Being in Florida, I was the only Jamaican in my camp so it was really hard. I had times where I broke down because I’m from a different culture and certain things, I’m not used to,” she said.

“I had instances where I really missed home. My family is here (in Jamaica) but, nevertheless, I told myself I think I’ll train and I’ll perform better where I’m comfortable. I was comfortable there,” Reid added.

The former Hydel High standout and current national junior record holder in the 100m added that being in Arkansas gives her that “home away from home” feeling that she lacked in Florida, both on and off the track.

“Being in Arkansas with my age-group and Jamaicans like Ackera (Nugent), Roje (Stona), (Jaydon) Hibbert and everyone, it really makes me feel like I’m home away from home," she said.

“Sometimes, training is really hard and just to see that the Jamaicans are there for each other, no matter the event that you do, they really try to make you feel loved. Even holidays we’re all together. It just makes me feel that I am a part of a family there. Being where I am now, I’m really comfortable and I give thanks to God to have placed me somewhere I feel like I’ll perform at my very best this season,” she added.

When asked about expectations for 2025 with the move in mind, Reid refused to put limits on herself but expects significant improvements because of her new sense of comfort with her situation.

“I don’t put limits on myself but, seeing that I’m comfortable where I am, I’m going to use that as a source of motivation. Back then, I had times when I said before I was really uncomfortable and I really missed home but now I am feeling like I am home, loved and cherished where I am so I know that my times and performances will improve,” Reid said

“It’s just for me to stay focused. I have a lot of things I want to achieve this year, especially making that World Championships team,” she added.