Nettles transferring to U of I from Iowa

As 2020 has been undoubtedly been filled with challenges, Kenli Nettles, ALAH graduate and Class 1A state champion in the high jump, 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles, is coming home.

Nettles announced earlier this month that she will be transferring from the University of Iowa to the University of Illinois this coming semester.

“I left Iowa because COVID really changed my whole perspective about college and everything,” Nettles stated. She went on to say, “I wasn’t really enjoying my time in Iowa, and it felt like a whole different environment from when I was there last November for my visit. I just figured it would be better to be back home.”

Nettles entered the transfer portal in October, but she said she only had one school in mind that she wanted to compete for. “I chose the U of I because it was close to home and I’ve known the coaches since about 7th grade. They’re great coaches and they see lots of potential in me. It’s also a great school with great academics,” Nettles said.

Nettles suffered a hip injury that will require surgery and will most likely force her to miss the upcoming 2021 spring track season.

“I tore my labrum in my hip, and I’m not 100% sure how I did it. I potentially have to have surgery, but I still have to meet with the team doctor at the U of I to figure some things out,” Kenli stated.

She will be receiving the Illinois Commitment Scholarship.