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NCAA Conference Champions crowned across the country
Over the weekend, NCAA Conference Championships were earned with an eye on the upcoming national Championships in Virginia Beach. The Power Four conference champions are:
- Big Ten: Oregon swept both the men’s and women’s titles
- ACC: Virginia Tech (men) and Clemson (women)
- SEC: Texas A&M (men) and Arkansas (women)
- Big XII: Texas Tech swept both the men’s and women’s titles
Information about the upcoming indoor NCAA Championships is available via NCAA.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone among six track and field athletes up for Laureus Award
The Laureus World Sports Awards are prestigious accolades presented annually by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Established in 1999, these awards honor individuals and teams from the world of sports for their outstanding achievements over the previous year. Six track and field athletes are on the nomination docket for the 2025 ceremony, including Sydney McLaughin-Levrone, Sifan Hassan, and Faith Kipyegon for Sportswoman of the Year; Mondo Duplantis for Sportsman of the Year; and Julien Alfred and Letsile Tebogo for Breakthrough of the Year.
Mechelle Freeman no longer USATF women’s relay coach
Mechelle Lewis Freeman, a 2008 Olympian and 3-time World Championships medalist, has announced her departure as the Head Women’s Relays Coach for USA Track & Field. Her tenure was marked by significant achievements, including leading the women’s relay teams to multiple Olympic gold medals and World Championship titles. She shared the news in a post to Instagram. Her departure comes just months before the 2025 World Championships. Freeman is the founder of TrackGirlz, a nonprofit dedicated to providing girls access to sport, mentorship, and education through track and field empowerment programs.
Skyler Franklin commits to LSU
Skyler Franklin, a top high school sprinter from Dillard High School and Rise Preparatory Academy, has committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) for her collegiate track and field career. Franklin boasts impressive personal bests of 51.01 seconds in the 400 meters and 23.00 seconds in the 200 meters, both achieved in 2024. She was ranked as the No. 1 recruit for the Class of 2026 according to MileSplit, however will reclassify and join LSU in the fall of 2025.
Donavan Brazier announces engagement with Ally Watt
Donavan Brazier and Ally Watt announced their engagement last week on Instagram. The couple shared photos of a rainy engagement in Orlando with the caption from Watt, “Yes to a lifetime with you.” Brazier is the 2019 Diamond League and World Champion in the 800 meters, and Watt is a forward for the NWSL’s Orlando Pride. They both attended Texas A&M University.
