Twanisha Terry earned the nickname “Mom of the group” during her freshman year at the University of Southern California, known for her unwavering support both on and off the field. Now, training alongside Sha’Carri Richardson, under coach Dennis Mitchell, Terry has earned a similar admiration from the world champion herself, who openly expressed, “I love me some Tee Tee.” Another reason is that Twanisha Terry comes in to help in any dire situation with her motivational talks. 

Her USC coach once praised Terry’s special ability to support her teammates during tough times. At 25, she finds inspiration in the pep talks from her father, propelling her toward the Paris Olympics. These talks continue to push her beyond her limits.

Meet the parents of Twanisha “Tee Tee” Terry

Hailing from the sun-kissed town of Miami, Twanisha Terry has always been unique since her early days, eschewing common norms. Even during her college years, she avoided consuming junk food and spending time traveling around the bustling city. Nullifying those, her vehement logic stood, “I had to like, be mindful of the things I was doing, not knowing who was watching me.”

To navigate her path, Terry diligently followed her schedule, with her father’s unwavering support playing a crucial role. Antwan Terry, Tee Tee’s father, dedicated himself to inspiring his daughter, the eldest of four siblings. Speaking on this, her school coach also had insights to share.

Twanisha Terry boasts numerous titles. As a four-time Florida High School Athletic Association champion, her story continues to inspire young athletes striving for success in high school sports. However, achieving such a revered position in her region was never easy. According to Carmen Jackson, the Lady Bulls girls’ head coach, Twanisha Terry’s father instilled in her a strong sense of commitment. “He taught her that she had to be committed to whatever she’s committed to. He wanted her to be the best in whatever she excelled in. Sometimes a kid starts something and doesn’t finish it. He never let her quit,” the coach explained. Furthermore, Terry’s mother provided unwavering support along this journey.

Twanisha Terry’s athletic prowess was evident early on; she qualified for the Junior Olympics at the age of 9. In 2018, she shattered the 100m record of four-time NCAA champion Angela Williams, which had stood since 1999, clocking an impressive 10.99 seconds. The following year, Tee Tee broke her own record, setting a new mark at 10.98 seconds. Additionally, in 2018, she played a pivotal role in USC’s victory in the 4x100m relay. Without her father’s influence, these milestones may never have come to fruition.

How did Twanisha Terry’s Father play an important role in his daughter’s life?

Twanisha Terry faced failure several times, but her father stood by her side each time. From attending every practice session during her formative years to accompanying her to the Junior Olympics, Antwan ensured his daughter never faced adversity alone. He often finished his work early to support her in practice sessions. Reflecting on his dedication, Terry once recounted a pivotal moment.

At the age of 10-11, Twanisha Terry attempted new events on the track but suffered a hamstring injury. Feeling her pain, her father quickly massaged her legs and encouraged her with words like, “Now get up and run.” This personal coaching was invaluable for the young athlete.

At home, Antwan instilled leadership qualities in Terry, both on and off the track. Recalling his influence, she said, “At home with my father, he tells me to lead by my actions. When I come to the track, I take that quality with me and take it to another level.” Even today, Twanisha Terry listens to her father’s pep talks over the phone before her competitions. This tradition will continue even in competitions held in Paris.