Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Rawls
Hi Asia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Elite Runner | Performance Coach | Influencer | Tech Professional | Detroit, MI
Asia is a runner, coach, and influencer dedicated to redefining what it means to be an athlete in todays world.
Based in Detroit, MI, Asia has mastered the art athletic transformation, guiding runners at every level—from beginners to professionals—to unlock their full potential. With a deep passion for performance and the culture of running, Asia doesn’t just train athletes—she builds machines.
As a former NCAA Honorable Mention All-American in the 400m hurdles, a multiple-time Mid-American Conference Champion, and a collegiate record holder at Eastern Michigan University, Asia was a dominant force on the track. She set records and won championship titles in one of the most competitive collegiate conferences, solidifying her reputation as a fierce competitor and an expert in the game.
This elite-level experience, combined with an MBA and a Master’s in Computer Information Systems from the University of Detroit Mercy, has shaped Asia’s analytical approach to coaching, blending science, technology, and performance training to optimize athletic success.
Beyond competing, Asia served as an graduate assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s track and field teams at Detroit Mercy, bringing leadership, expertise, and mentorship to the next generation of athletes. As a first-generation college student and athlete, she understands the power of education, resilience, and breaking barriers, using her journey to inspire others to chase their dreams—on and off the track.
Asia is also an accomplished worldwide competitor, having raced in Tokyo, Paris, London, and across various World Major Marathons. This global perspective has strengthened her connection to the running community, making her a sought-after coach and influencer in the sport. Whether it’s preparing an athlete for a major marathon, fine-tuning sprint mechanics, or mentoring runners through critical career transitions, Asia is committed to bringing out the best in every athlete.
Beyond coaching, Asia is a sought-after voice in the running community, collaborating with top brands, breaking down race performances, and sharing cutting-edge training insights. As an influencer and brand partner, she merges fashion, sport, and storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of elite running, community, and culture.
Beyond the Track: A Passion for Tech & Innovation
In addition to her work in the running world, Asia is also actively engaged in the tech industry, working alongside engineers and executive directors to bridge the gap between technology, leadership, and innovation. With her background in Computer Information Systems and business strategy, she brings a unique perspective to problem-solving and systems thinking.
Whether it’s collaborating on cutting-edge projects, consulting on digital solutions, or driving conversations at the executive level, Asia thrives in high-performance environments both on and off the track.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been smooth—far from it. There were moments when I couldn’t afford college, and that uncertainty weighed on me. As I stepped into adulthood, I wrestled with finding my purpose, questioning what I was meant to do and why it even mattered. I ended up in a career that didn’t fulfill me, clocking in and out, feeling stuck in a space that drained my energy instead of fueling my passion.
There were times I felt lost, unsure of where I belonged—both in location and in life. I questioned when I would finally feel accomplished, as if there was a deadline I had already missed. But through all of it, I learned that the timeline society pushes on us isn’t real. I had to redefine everything—my career, my mindset, even my approach to who I dated. I had to demand more for myself than I had ever imagined.
The struggles became the foundation for something greater. I stopped settling. I started building. And now, every step forward is one I take with purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My career has been defined by leadership, service, and a deep understanding of both business and technology. At Detroit Mercy University, I had the privilege of serving as president of the MBA Business School Board, an experience that sharpened my ability to navigate complex decisions, build strong teams, and drive meaningful change.
I carried those leadership skills into the world of software development and digitization, where I worked on transforming businesses through technology. Seeing firsthand how digital tools shape industries, I became passionate about efficiency, innovation, and leveraging technology to create lasting impact.
Beyond the corporate world, my time in the MBA program and within Detroit’s Jesuit community gave me a broader perspective on leadership. It wasn’t just about success—it was about service, about being present where help was needed most. Many of the Jesuit Fathers at my school instilled this belief in me, emphasizing service over profit. That philosophy led me to volunteer at nearly every homeless shelter in Detroit, reinforcing the idea that true leadership is measured not just by accomplishments, but by the lives you uplift along the way.
With a foundation built on business, technology, and service, I’ve learned to merge strategy with purpose—ensuring that everything I do is driven by impact, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always an ambitious kid—driven, competitive, and determined to be great at everything I did. Growing up, I played two sports: track and basketball. By the time I reached high school, I had developed into a skilled athlete in both, pushing myself to excel on and off the field.
Throughout my high school career, I earned Dr. Pepper Athlete of the Week multiple times in both track and basketball. In track, I dominated—earning MVP all four years and serving as team captain in both high school and later in college. But my success didn’t come easy. My parents worked long hours, so every day, I had to ask for rides to practice—on weekdays and weekends. I refused to let outside circumstances define me.
Unlike many athletes, I didn’t limit myself to just one sport. I thrived in both, and the Oakland Press recognized that, featuring me in articles every week, written by Marvin Goodwin. In 2008, they published a piece on me titled “The Greats of ‘08,” cementing my place among the top athletes in the area.
I made sure to back up the hype with results. I consistently qualified for the state meet in four different events—long jump, 400m, 4x800m, and 4x400m—proving my versatility and dominance across disciplines. By the end of my senior year, my school voted me Most Athletic, and my track team awarded me Female Athlete of the Year.
Looking back, I guess you could say I was always about my business. I wanted to be great at everything I did—and I put in the work to make sure of it.
Pricing:
- Coaching
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coaches.vdoto2.com/coach-asia–rawls
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brown_bambi
- Other: @Brown_Bambi
