Newark Public Schools Student-Athlete Named Super Essex Conference Athlete of the Year

NEWARK, N.J. – Last year, Malik Mohammed was not getting much playing time on the West Side High School basketball team. This year, he is the Super Essex Conference’s 2025–2026 Athlete of the Year.

All Mohammed needed to do was change his sport to indoor track and he reached new heights – quite literally.

Mohammed, a multi-event jumper on the West Side High School Indoor Track Team, recorded a 24-foot indoor long jump, the longest indoor jump in New Jersey, the tenth-longest in the nation, and the fourth longest in state history, at the Garden State Invitational sectionals in February. He also cleared 6 feet, 10 inches in the high jump (which is like jumping over NBA superstar Kevin Durant), at the same event.

“There’s an old line about how a little change will do you good. It’s Malik’s case, a change was the pathway to excellence,” said Superintendent León. “It’s important to recognize that at the core of Malik’s success is his extraordinary work ethic, faith, and commitment to being the best student-athlete he can be. He had that long before he joined the track team. I congratulate Malik on his outstanding accomplishment, and his family and coaches for bringing out the best in Malik.”

“Malik Mohammed’s success reflects the power of perseverance and determination,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “His accomplishments on the track are impressive, but equally inspiring is the humility and leadership he demonstrates every day. He is a role model for students across our district.”

“Malik represents everything we believe in at West Side High School,” said Principal Akbar Cook. “He is disciplined, humble, and committed to his sport, and to his growth as a young man. He leads by example, supports his peers, and approaches every challenge with focus and determination. We are incredibly proud of him and excited to see how far his talent and character will take him.”

Mohammed’s coaches credit his rapid rise to a combination of natural ability and relentless dedication.

“He’s one of the hardest-working student-athletes I’ve ever coached,” said West Side High School Head Track and Field Coach Rickey Meekins. “To achieve this level of success in his first indoor season speaks volumes about his talent and his commitment to improving every day.”

Assistant Coach James Bell emphasized Mohammed’s consistency and character. “Malik shows up every day ready to work,” Bell said. “He doesn’t complain, he stays focused, and he continues to push himself. What’s most impressive is that even as his name has grown across the state, he’s remained humble and grounded.”

Mohammed credits his early athletic foundation to training with his father, a former professional soccer player. That early discipline continues to shape his approach today, as he balances rigorous daily training with academic responsibilities.

During the indoor season, Mohammed also competed while observing Ramadan, fasting from sunrise to sunset. Despite the physical demands, he continued to perform at a high level and served as a leader among his peers.

“Fasting is something I’m used to. It’s part of who I am,” Mohammed said. “I just stay focused, keep working, and trust the process.” Even when he wakes up before sunrise, Mohammed will only have some bread, rice, and a cup of tea, he said. At school, he leads the daily prayers with other Muslim students.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Mohammed maintains a 3.1 GPA and is already drawing interest from collegiate programs including Penn State, the University of Miami, and the University of Connecticut.

With another year of high school competition ahead, Mohammed is poised to continue building on a remarkable season that has already established him as one of the state’s premier student-athletes.