Marquita Allen Position: Graduate Assistant Experience: First Year

Marquita Allen is in her first season as a graduate assistant for the cross country and track & field programs at Michigan State University.

Allen attended MSU and was a former track athlete. She was a letterwinner and a member of the NCAA regional qualifying 4X100m relay team in 2007. During her senior year, she finished 10th in the 400m at the outdoor Big Ten Conference meet, with a personal record of 55.6. During her senior year she was also team captain.

Allen earned her undergraduate degree in kinesiology and graduated in the spring of 2007. She is currently working towards a master's degree in kinesiology.

"When I found out Marquita was planning to go to graduate school, I immediately thought of her as someone who could help our program," said Drenth. "She was a successful athlete, and she has a real enthusiasm for the sport. I think in due time, she will be a very good coach."