Anna Cockrell just keeps raising the bar—literally and figuratively! Her most recent triumph came at the John McDonnell Invitational, where she crushed the 300m hurdles. Sure, she was already the favorite going in, but the way she flew across the track and clocked an eye-popping 38.07 seconds? Absolutely jaw-dropping. This retired theater kid turned silver Olympic medalist is also a four-time NCAA champion, two-time World U20 champion, Pan American Games winner, and NCAA indoor champ. Clearly, she’s a powerhouse.

But beyond the medals and spotlight, there’s another side of Anna that fans are always curious about—her roots. Who are the people cheering her on behind the scenes? 

Who is Anna Cockrell’s father?

Anna Cockrell’s father, Kieth Cockrell, was raised by his grandparents. Kieth faced early challenges that could have defined his path. His parents kind of abandoned him, but he was a talented child. He graduated from Columbia University and used to play football. The university gave him an education and also his future wife, Serena. 

Professionally, Kieth climbed the ranks to become the Charlotte market president for Bank of America. Kieth also serves on boards like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and the Foundation For The Carolinas. Anna, an Olympic hurdler, has openly discussed her battles with depression, and being a father, Kieth has always got her back. “Of course we are proud of her getting into the Olympics… But what I am most proud of is the young woman she is developing into,” Kieth said about Anna.

Kieth Cockrell’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, achieving professional success, and nurturing a family that values hard work and compassion. As per Axios.com, Kieth said, “I’m just Dad,” focusing more on the a’s in Daaad. “The greatest joy with me is we’ve raised children that don’t feel entitled, they value hard work, and they’re just good people,” he added.

Who is Anna Cockrell’s mother?

Meet Serena Cockrell — a Columbia University graduate with an engineering degree and a quiet force behind one of America’s most accomplished track athletes. While Serena has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, her influence on Anna Cockrell’s journey is undeniable.

Though Serena’s professional life isn’t widely documented, her impact at home has been profound. She instilled a strong emphasis on academic and personal growth for her children. As Anna once shared, Serena prioritized educational enrichment, ensuring that her children were well-rounded individuals. This included activities like museum visits and SAT prep sessions, even for those not immediately preparing for college exams.

Serena’s approach to parenting emphasized balance. This nurturing environment allowed Anna to thrive both on and off the track, leading her to achieve significant milestones, including earning a master’s degree in public policy from USC.

Who are Cockrell’s siblings?

Anna Cockrell comes from a family where excellence isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected. Her siblings, Ross and Ciera, have each carved out impressive paths in their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents of the Cockrell family.

Ross Cockrell, the eldest of the Cockrell siblings, has made a significant mark in professional football. A standout cornerback at Duke University, Ross was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. His NFL journey has included stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In 2020, Ross joined the Buccaneers’ practice squad and was later promoted to the active roster. He played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive lineup during their playoff run, culminating in a victory at Super Bowl LV.

On the other hand, Ciera Cockrell, Anna’s older sister, has demonstrated excellence both on the volleyball court and in the academic arena. As a senior at Davidson College, she led the volleyball team with 238 kills and was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Week in October 2018.

After her athletic career, Ciera pursued her passion for justice by enrolling at Howard University School of Law. She has expressed a strong commitment to advocating for Black and Brown communities, particularly in the realm of cannabis law, aiming to address policy reform and promote social equity. 

What is Anna Cockrell’s parents’ nationality?

Anna Cockrell’s parents, Keith and Serena Cockrell, are American. They’ve raised their family in Charlotte, North Carolina, where ambition clearly runs deep. From sports to academics, the Cockrell household is all about excellence and support!