St. Croix native Michelle Smith has been named the 2025 SEC Women’s Freshman Runner of the Year, capping off a sensational debut season with the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Smith, who hails from Frederiksted, has been a standout in the 400-meter hurdles, where she not only broke Georgia’s school record but also established herself as one of the top collegiate hurdlers in the nation. At the Florida Relays in April, she clocked an astonishing 54.56 seconds, surpassing the previous school record set in 1996 and at the same time breaking her own Virgin Islands record.
Her freshman campaign was marked by consistency, speed, and poise beyond her years. She finished runner-up at the SEC Championships in the 400m hurdles, narrowly behind Akala Garrett, and played a pivotal role in Georgia’s overall team success throughout the outdoor season.
Smith’s journey to collegiate stardom began long before she stepped onto the NCAA stage. She has been a dominant force in Caribbean and international youth competitions, winning multiple gold medals at the CARIFTA Games and setting CARIFTA Games U17 and NACAC U18 records in the 400m hurdles. Her transition to NCAA competition has been seamless, and her accolades continue to grow.
The SEC honor is a testament not only to her athletic prowess but also to her work ethic and determination. With the NCAA Outdoor Championships set to take place June 11–14 in Eugene, Oregon, all eyes will be on Smith as she looks to add another chapter to her already impressive freshman year.
As the first Virgin Islander to earn this prestigious SEC title, Michelle Smith is blazing a trail for young athletes from the Caribbean and proving that talent, when matched with opportunity and dedication, knows no borders.
Michelle Smith will be traveling to the Virgin Islands on June 17 to participate in the Eunice Bedminster VI National Championships which will be held on Saturday June 21, 2025 at the St. Croix Educational Complex Track and Field facility at 10 am.
