Legendary: New Kent’s Otey, Pollard inducted into VHSL Hall of Fame

New Kent High School athletic legends Mia Pollard (left) and Kiamesha Otey (right) stand proudly together after being inducted into Virginia High School League's Hall of Fame Sunday afternoon.

Robb Johnson photo

What does it mean to be legendary?

By definition, a person is a legend when your peers admire you for your work to improve yourself and the ones around year. On Sunday afternoon, two local New Kent legends were elevated into Virginia High School League’s Hall of Fame.

Kiamesha Otey, a 1999 graduate of New Kent, and Mia Pollard, a 1986 graduate of New Kent, were acknowledged for their accolades.

Otey was the first of the locals to speak. She dominated the track scene from 1996 to 1999, holding six outdoor records for the school and the only outdoor track and field athlete to be recognized as Female Athlete of the Year for four consecutive years. Otey also played basketball, showing her versatility in a plethora of sports. Her array of talent earned her a scholarship to run at the University of Virginia.

“This is incredible. It’s incredibly humbling,” she said. “I was at a track meet in February down in Virginia Beach and I was on their Wall of Fame.

“I was looking at all the people on the wall in the Virginia High School League and I wondered what you had to do to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Otey continued. “A month later, I received the email. I thank my family and the Lord above because that is where it all comes from.”

Pollard’s legendary status was sealed the moment she walked through the doors of New Kent High School. The track standout was part of four straight district and regional teams, as well as contributing to New Kent High School’s state outdoor track and field championships. Her accolades blossomed over the years, racking up 11 regional titles and three regional runners-up on the track. Pollard also was versatile on the basketball court, racking up more than 600 points and rebounds along with 400-plus steals. She also participated on the school’s Forensics team. Her abilities didn’t go unnoticed, as she continued to perform at the University of North Carolina and earned All-American Honors in the 800-meter dash.

“This experience is surreal being amongst an exception group of people,” Pollard commented. “It’s awesome to be a part of this thirty-third class. I am so honored.

“You have to believe in yourself and not only that you have to have someone who believes in you,” she added. “That is what made us who we are.

“You have to be humble and to be inducted into such an honorable society, it is such an honor,” Pollard concluded.

After the ceremony, both Otey and Pollard offered words of advice for future generations of athletes in New Kent County.

“Work hard, stay humble, and listen to your coaches,” Otey said. “Have some integrity about yourself, respect yourself, respect your coaches, and really listen to what they have to say.”

For Pollard, it’s about hitting reasonable benchmarks in your life.

“Always believe in yourself,” Pollard said. “Don’t ever give up and push yourself to the limits.

“Set realistic goals and continue to set those goals,” she added. “You can’t just stop at one. You have to rise to the occasion.”