Like many student-athletes, Texas high jumper Osawese Agbonkonkon balances practices, competitions, school, hobbies and a social life. Unlike many student-athletes, the junior also published a 300-page science fiction novel.
In 2020, while still in high school, the Frisco, Texas, native began writing his novel, "Psychic Suit."
As Agbonkonkon entered college, he worked on the book by finding free moments within his busy schedule.
He would write at the airport, on planes and in hotels during the season. He would jot down thoughts in his notes app in between class and practice. Even if he had to lift at 6 a.m., he often would wake up in the middle of the night when inspiration hit.
"I learned to use the calendar app," he said, laughing.
"The book really grew with me. As I grew, as I learned new things, became a different person, the book began to reflect that as well," Agbonkonkon said.
Agbonkonkon said the process of writing the book over time meant the story evolved as he grew as a person, especially in college.
"Being a student-athlete gave me the opportunity to travel a lot, took me to schools and places that I never thought I'd go. It made me who I am," he said. "The book, in a way, does reflect what I've learned and who I've become."
This included heavier, more mature themes, including mental health.
"I gave characters certain mental health problems and essentially tried to show how they work through those problems," he said. "One big theme was how the world looks at and treats those people."
Agbonkonkon wrote the main characters in "Psychic Suit" to be prominent public figures. He wanted to demonstrate that mental illness, whether you are in the limelight or an average Joe, should not be a source of shame.
He relates these themes to the student-athlete experience, too, because student-athletes are expected to be 100% vested at all times. Compete in practice. Perform well in your games. Show up to every class. Finish all your homework. Balance a social life.
"I wanted to talk about how it's OK to not be 100% all of the time," he said.
Agbonkonkon reflected on the idea that trying to excel while balancing multiple pursuits can add pressure, something he has felt in his high jump career.
"I need to do well," he would tell himself. "My coach is expecting things. My parents are here. Friends are watching."
The pressure he put on himself affected his performance. He began writing down his fears, breaking down the consequences if he failed. He realized things were not as bad as he thought. He decided to intertwine these themes into his novel, too.
"Writing this book, getting to put things like that down on paper helped me be more comfortable with this idea that even if everything does go wrong, what's the worst that can really happen?" he said.
Agbonkonkon completed writing "Psychic Suit" just weeks after he arrived at on campus at Texas as a midyear transfer. The high jumper equated the discipline to write and finish the book to the discipline of being a student-athlete.
"As athletes, we need to get things done. It's not just gonna happen by itself," he said. "You're not always gonna feel like doing something, but once you start doing it, it just becomes a lot easier to keep doing it."
As a sophomore, Agbonkonkon excelled athletically, competing in the Southeastern Conference indoor and outdoor track and field championship meets after winning multiple invitational meets.
Agbonkonkon hopes people will read his book and draw parallels to the real world.
He wants people to ask, "Do I see people hiding mental health challenges? Do I see a world that stigmatizes mental health? Am I someone who hides things I'm going through because of how people would perceive it?"
With two more years of college and the potential for a second book in the future, Agbonkonkon plans to graduate with a degree in economics and minors in history and English before attending law school.
He said college athletics prepares people to become well-rounded individuals.
"I can win meets on the track. I can do well in the classroom and in my own projects," he said. "I have the skills and knowledge to take those as far as I can."
