Sidique Steals the Show: Record-Breaking Track and Field Athlete is Twice-Named Newcomer of the Year

When Westminster College women’s track and field team competed in the 2022 SLIAC Indoor Championships at Principia College in February, it was just the beginning for Moenisha Sidique, ’15 IND. While the team collectively fared well, the freshman stole the show with a record-breaking performance, winning the 400-meter dash and finishing fifth in the 200-meter dash.

Sidique’s performances earned her a spot on the podium and etched her name in the record books. The student-athlete was also named the SLIAC Women’s Indoor Track and Field Track Newcomer of the Year.

“I was extremely nervous this was my first 400 at the college level,” she said.

Even though Sidique had been a track athlete and competitor in the 400-meter dash prior, this race had the freshman feeling less than confident.

“As soon as the gun went off, I knew I had to get out fast to even compete with the girls in the heat,” she continued.

As the Blue Jay crossed the finish line, she knew that she had achieved the goal she set for herself, and she broke a record.

“The coaches had already gone over the times and what I needed to do to break the record before we came into the meet. I knew I broke the record and it felt really good,” she said.

Sidique, a native of Mexico, MO, has found peace and passion in being a student athlete. The former Mexico Bulldog competed as a cross country and track athlete before committing to being a full-time student-athlete at Westminster College.

“My coaches from high school encouraged me to take the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level,” stated Sidique.

The standout track athlete enrolled in courses and began her career at Westminster in the fall of 2021 as an exercise science major. Sidique is a member of the women’s cross country team in the fall in addition to her contributions to the track and field team in the spring.

She competed in the Greenville Classic in October and covered the 5K course in 22:54.55. This was a college personal best for her and good for a 38th place finish.

“The most rewarding part about being a student athlete at Westminster is knowing that you have an entire team that you can always count on,” said the Blue Jay track star.

Having people to rely on is extremely important, especially with the daily challenges student athletes face each day. Typically, each day is shaped around a course schedule, meals, practices, COVID testing, homework, organizational involvement, work, study … and then you wake up and do it all again the next day.

“It can be challenging to stay on top of things at times. As a student-athlete you are so busy, but we have coaches and teammates to hold us accountable. I also just want to push myself to be better,” Sidique said with pride.

She’s not alone in her journey: Approximately 50 percent of students at Westminster participate in NCAA DIII athletics.

Through the challenges, Sidique has found her way and made an immediate impact in the sports community.

“It feels really good to know that I have made an impact on my team and teammates. Knowing that I have made an impact has made me push harder for better results in the future,” said Sidique with a grin.

The plan for the remainder of the 2022 season was to trust the process, break more records, and compete in the 2022 Track & Field Nationals ― and Sidique did just that.

At the 2022 SLIAC Outdoor Championships April 28-29, Sidique was awarded Outdoor Women’s Track Newcomer of the Year, she placed first in the 400-meter dash, she achieved third in the 200-meter dash, and she was a part of the women’s 4×400 meter relay team that finished in third place.

Westminster can’t wait to see what Sidique can accomplish next year!