The spotlight was supposed to be on Sha’Carri Richardson. But at the 2025 USA Track and Field Championships, it was a former HBCU standout who made the biggest statement.
Kayla White, a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, stunned fans and competitors alike by clocking a blazing 10.89 seconds in the 100m heat—beating Richardson and setting a new personal record in the process. The time not only marked her fastest ever but also ranked among the top performances of the day.
Richardson, the reigning world champion in the 100m, still turned in a strong effort with a season-best 11.07 seconds, but it wasn’t enough to top White in their heat. While both athletes advanced to the next round, it was the HBCU product who left with the biggest momentum shift.
White’s performance is another major moment for North Carolina A&T’s storied track and field program, which has produced Olympic medalists and national champions over the past decade. Under the leadership of former head coach Duane Ross—now at Tennessee—the Aggies established themselves as a powerhouse in both the MEAC and on the national stage.
“Kayla was one of those athletes who always rose to the occasion,” Ross once said of White during her time at A&T. “When the lights were brightest, she showed up.”
This race proves that hasn’t changed.
While Sha’Carri Richardson remains a dominant figure and a heavy favorite to claim another national title, the presence of athletes like Kayla White is a reminder that the talent pipeline from HBCUs continues to deliver at the highest levels of competition. And unlike many of her peers, White wasn’t developed through traditional Power Five channels—her excellence was nurtured on the campus of an HBCU.
It’s a narrative that’s becoming more common in professional track and field. Former HBCU stars like Chris Belcher, Rodney Rowe, and Cambrea Sturgis—all fellow Aggies—have found success on the pro circuit. White’s performance this weekend just adds another chapter to that legacy.
Her win is more than a headline—it’s a testament to what HBCUs can produce with the right support, coaching, and opportunity.
With the semifinals looming, all eyes will now be on White to see if she can build on this momentum. And while Richardson remains the fan favorite, don’t be surprised if Kayla White becomes the spoiler again.
Whether she lands on the podium or not, she’s already put HBCUs back in the conversation.
And that’s a win for the culture.