HATTIESBURG, MS | The Grambling State University track & field team delivered standout performances at the 2025 Southern Miss Invitational, with multiple athletes securing top rankings in Division I and HBCU standings.  

Shamya Joiner made history in the women's long jump, soaring 6.67m (21-10.75) to claim the first spot in Division I and to break the Grambling State school record.

Shatara Johnson followed with an impressive 6.29m (20-7.75) jump finishing third, earning the sixth-best mark in Division I this outdoor season.  

On the track, Kyla Blockett blazed through the 100m dash in 11.73 seconds finishing fourth, ranking seventh among HBCUs and #51 in Division I. Quincy Cherry clocked 53.48 seconds in the 400m hurdles finishing second, and placing seventh among HBCUs and #72 in Division I.  

In the men's high jump, Marcus Kennedy and Nick Bailey both cleared 2.03m (6-8), tying for second place, securing spots in the HBCU top ten rankings and a top 100 spot in Division I.  

Savantez Phillips battled to a third place finish in the 110m hurdles, clocking 14.46 seconds. Dakari Betts finished sixth in the men's 110m hurdles finishing 14.91

Jazmine Carraway soared 11.81m (38-9) in the triple jump, placing fourth and earning a top ten HBCU ranking.  

Deserae Charles powered through the shot put with a throw of 11.92m (39-01.25) finishing eighth, securing a top 20 mark in HBCU rankings.  



UP NEXT

Grambling State University's track & field teams will head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for a meet at Southern University on April 5.


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