The Florida A&M University women’s track and field team opened its outdoor season with momentum, breaking a school record and setting multiple personal bests at the USF Alumni Invitational on March 20–21. Arayana Ladson led the way in the 100-meter hurdles, finishing in 13.29 seconds. She also contributed to a record-breaking 4×100-meter relay team alongside Diandrenique Gaines, Kiersten Clark and Janaree Kinchen.
The group’s performance marked a new school record, a result of what the team and coaches describe as consistent work behind the scenes.
“It feels really good to watch the girls hit these goals,” women’s coach Tamika Kinchen said. “Especially since it was the first meet outdoors, hitting personal records showed what we have to look forward to.”
The early success signals a strong start for the Rattlers, as opening the outdoor season with both personal and program milestones sets the tone for what could be a competitive year ahead.
Beyond the relay team’s record-breaking performance, several athletes delivered standout individual efforts across multiple events. Ty’yanah Adams recorded a personal-best 13.36 in the hurdles, while Zekira Snow posted a PR in the long jump with a leap of 5.86 meters. On the distance side, Tara Bert led the group with a personal-record time of 4:33.32 in the 1,500 meters. Jaade McBride followed with a PR of 4:52.72 and also competed in the 800 meters, finishing in 2:15.51. Leandra Ferrell added a 1,500-meter PR of 4:54.99, and Niya Coleman rounded out the event with a personal-best 5:06.48. Ladson has continued to build on her momentum this season, previously earning the SouthwesternAthletic Conference indoor long jump title.
“During the meet I just felt a lot of positivity and energy with it being my first meet of the outdoor season,” Ladson said. “After the meet obviously I was extremely excited, but the job’s not done. I didn’t let the excitement take over the end goal, which is eventually nationals.”
